Members and dedicated student representatives from the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) from the University of Baguio, alongside different institutions, joined the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines (KAS) Solution Conference, discussing the importance of modernizing public services with technology to reduce inefficiencies and improve responsiveness for policymaking for local governance and relevant solutions through civic action.
On February 6, 2026, dubbed with the theme “Tumulong, Kumilos, Magbago: Citizen Solutions for Local Government,” being the first K.A.S. conference to be held outside of Metro Manila, Philippines, the collaborative reform and discussions drew participants focused on civic action and social solutions; at the SotoGrande Hotel in Baguio City, Philippines, the university’s involvement came in the form of the participation of a senior BAPS student from the university, Ms. Coleen Frances P. Dizon, representing alongside academic delegates and professionals from different institutions and offices in the region.
Alt Text: Highlights from the 2026 KAS solutions conference
Learning and Discussing Civic Solutions for the Community
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Ms. Daniela Braun, Country Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines, setting an inspiring tone for dialogue and action, followed by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who delivered an insightful message that young people can possess such courage and a strong belief in change. Being able to spearhead leadership, and that local governments should serve as a bridge to the national government and its superseding LGUs. Mayor Magalong continued to envision and hope for changes into concrete actions, highlighting that silence must never be an option when facing community challenges.
The one-day conference, held from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, featured a diverse spread of workshops and panel discussions, creating three (3) breakout rooms designed to emphasize practical citizen-led initiatives that address community challenges. Examining the groups by the following:
- Led by Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, and Governor Trina Alejandra Firmalo-Fabic of Romblon Province, “Building Trust and Taking Action,” as the first breakout room, examined how citizens often feel ignored by local government units (LGUs), while officials feel unsupported or misunderstood. This point of inquiry leads to mistrust, apathy, frustration, or conflict among social groups
- Mr. Francis Camarao, Chief of the Management Information and Technology Division of the Baguio City Government, continues with the second breakout room with the theme “Improving Services with Smarter Solutions,” addressing LGUs’ reliance on outdated systems and how it can potentially frustrate citizens and waste resources
- Strengthening Communities for Climate and Crisis Resilience” highlights how citizens act as first responders during disasters but are rarely involved in preparedness or long-term planning. Led by Mr. Dave David, Chief of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Marikina City Government, who highlighted that community participation is the key
Alt Text: Ms. Daniela Braun, Country Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines (left), along with Ms. Coleen Frances P. Dizon (right) at the 2026 KAS solutions conference
The specialized breakout rooms served as an impactful reminder to everyone of the participants to demand transparency for accountable and just leadership that can turn crises into triumphs. Also, the importance and role of the community in resilience and camaraderie efforts to arrive at the thought of guided plans and solutions.
The takeaways from the conference were that it is a very critical need to rebuild trust between citizens and LGUs through open discussions, as mistrust leads to inaction, and the importance of modernizing public services with technology to reduce inefficiencies and improve responsiveness. Leading with purpose and conviction expressed through Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, 8, 10, 16, and 17, the KAS solution conference was more than just a discussion but rather an opportunity to empower citizens, local leaders, and policy experts to collaboratively address local governance challenges.
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Written by: Coleen Frances P. Dizon
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
