In the Industrial Heartland of Cebu, the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) successfully conducted the 30th Governance Boot Camp: Basic Class, a transformative capacity-building event that brought together public servants across the Philippines. Held from July 31 to August 2, the intensive three-day training was co-hosted by the City Government of Mandaue, ISA’s long-time partner along the Performance Governance System (PGS) pathway.
The event kicked off with an inspiring talk from ISA’s Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao. In his signature “Building Our Dream Philippines” lecture, Dr. Estanislao emphasized the urgent need to address the three ills of society: lack of social concern, poverty, and corruption. He stressed that the solutions to these challenges must come from Filipinos themselves, tailored to the specific problems they face in their daily lives.
“If you cannot expect an angel that comes from above, then the solution comes from the ground up,” Dr. Estanislao said. “Institution by institution, city by city, let’s do this our way, and our way is starting with our institutions.”
Following Dr. Estanislao’s address, participants engaged in a series of workshops and thought-provoking discussions with Mr. Christian Zaens, ISA’s Executive Director and PGS Practice Leader. Mr. Zaens provided an in-depth explanation of the fundamentals and key elements of creating a strong strategy and how to purposefully identify the organization’s impact, strategic position, and processes. He highlighted the critical need for innovation in addressing the root causes of society’s three ills, urging participants to create a “monstrous” impact through their institutions that can be felt by their communities.
“Public entities are agents of change. They fix broken systems and turn them into effective ones that improve lives, promote societal well-being, and make [a] lasting positive impact,’ Mr. Zaens said. “Strategy is successful not when you develop new capabilities, but when you resolve whatever social ill your organization needs to address.”
On the second day, Mr. Zaens’ lecture further explored the importance of strategy, delving into its disciplined execution. During his discussion, he called for a deeply ingrained sense of accountability, ownership, and engagement among all employees.
The lecture also tapped into frameworks such as the balanced scorecard and the Civil Service Commission’s Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), which, when harmonized with the PGS, will aid organizations in implementing their strategies, monitoring progress and deliverables, and staying on track towards their unit’s targets and ultimately the organization’s goals.
Mr. Zaens noted that while the PGS may require additional effort, the implementation of effective strategies can simplify daily operations.
“You know you are on the right path if things are getting simpler,” he said. “Pero pag medyo komplikado, that’s a signal to shift gears.”
He also stressed the importance of keeping a high level of connection with the employees, stating, “People need to know if they are winning or losing as they play the game. Not at the end.”
Further strengthening the points discussed in Mr. Zaens’ lecture was a presentation featuring Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center’s (PJG) journey since embarking on the PGS pathway. Presented by Dr. Rene Francisco, Chair of the Office for Strategy Management at PJG, the presentation highlighted the roadblocks faced by the hospital in implementing the PGS, such as resistance to change and burnout.
Dr. Francisco mentioned that these challenges can be addressed by building rapport and fostering a positive work culture. With the right support and encouragement, employees can overcome resistance and contribute their best to the organization.
“We can make a positive work culture the dominant one,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that as a leader, you have to do everything. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to get everything done.”
Additionally, Dr. Francisco encouraged the participants to begin recognizing and maximizing the strengths of each employee.
“When you find the early birds and the hard workers, the results are magical,” he said. “When you get to know these people and group them together, magic happens.”
The road to the Dream Philippines is not an easy journey, and some Filipinos may believe it is impossible. However, as Dr. Francisco pointed out, while it may be difficult, it is not impossible. With the right approach, dedication, and collaboration, Filipinos can achieve their aspirations for a better nation.
Nearing the conclusion of the Boot Camp, the delegates enjoyed their final evening with a FAMAS-themed solidarity night, where they showcased their show-stopping attire on a red carpet and participated in Filipino film-inspired activities.
On the final day, the delegates embarked on a benchmarking visit to Mandaue City. They toured the Mandaue Green Learning Park, a former dumpsite transformed into a thriving nature eco-sanctuary, and visited the Tipolo Residence, a housing project designed to accommodate families displaced by a recent fire. To top off the benchmarking activity, the delegates were addressed by Mayor Jonas Cortes. In his speech, he underscored the importance of servant leadership and community solidarity.
“In giving, not in getting. In doing, not in demanding: that is what we call servant leadership,” he said. “It takes one person to stand up and own a piece of our community, and to say, ‘I am part of the problem and part of the solution.'”
The Boot Camp culminated with the awarding ceremony, where the title Ultimate Governance Warrior was bestowed upon Dr. Alvin Arcaya from the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center – Argao.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Arcaya expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the need for each public servant’s effort to promote good governance.
“Given the number of employees in our organizations, we are the ones entrusted by our agencies. So with that alone, you are all considered Ultimate Governance Warriors in your own right,” Dr. Arcaya said. “This training, this boot camp, gives us an opportunity to be better, and also to be inspired to go beyond better.”
