UP-CIFAL Philippines Concludes PCGM, PCWG with LAYAG

28 November 2025—The University of the Philippines–Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL Philippines) held its Commencement Exercises for the 2025 runs of two of its flagship programs: the Professional Course on Water Governance (PCWG) and the Professional Course on Global Migration (PCGM). Held on 28 November 2025 at the Dalisay J. Aldaba Hall, UP Diliman, this year’s ceremony, titled LAYAG, recognized the achievements of 42 graduates committed to advancing sustainable development through evidence-based governance, inclusive policies, and multi-sectoral collaboration.

UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Michelle R. Palumbarit, Ph.D., opened the ceremony with welcome remarks, emphasizing the centre’s mandate as part of the global CIFAL Network coordinated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), which supports local and regional leaders in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez delivered a message highlighting the role of public service, strategic partnerships, and human-centered leadership in navigating contemporary governance issues. He commended the graduates for advancing UP’s mission of honor, excellence, and service through professional learning.

The keynote address was delivered by Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Ph.D., Deputy Director of UNITAR’s Division for People and Social Inclusion. She stressed the importance of capacity-building for local and national actors in tackling interconnected sustainability challenges, particularly in water resource management, migration, and social inclusion.

The program featured congratulatory messages from field experts who have contributed to the professional courses.

For the Professional Course on Water Governance, Ramon B. Alikpala, CEO of Future Water Asia, delivered his message to the graduating batch. The awarding of certificates was followed by a learners’ address from Ma. Socorro Ester R. Paluga, General Manager of the Valencia City Water District.

For the Professional Course on Global Migration, independent migration expert Ricardo Casco addressed the learners, reaffirming the importance of rights-based and gender-responsive migration governance. Learners’ addresses were delivered by Consul Monika Kamille B. Limpo, First Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Spain, and Ms. Safia Hussein Sheikh, a teacher from the Sheikh Khalid Group of Schools.

Graduates took part in the Alumni Pledge, led by Director Palumbarit, affirming their commitment to apply their learning toward building inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. The pledge emphasized continuous learning, ethical governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Delivering the closing remarks were Lorraine Pe Symaco, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs and Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr., Ph.D., UP Vice President for Research and Innovation, who both lauded the graduates for upholding the values of the national university and contributing to evidence-informed policymaking in their respective fields.

The ceremony concluded with a networking session among graduates, faculty, partners, and invited guests.