1.

From among the public administration theories and development perspectives

that you have learned in this course, what do you think is applicable until
today. Justify why you think it works until today. Provide a specific example if
needed (answer briefly, 250 words maximum)

Give one specific challenge in public administration and development in the country
today. Propose a concrete program in order to confront this issue or challenge
specifying strategies and proposed outcomes.  (answer briefly into 250 words
maximum).
In recent years, the Philippine Public Administration assures the country of change
and progress. However, its direction continues to be impoverished because many of
the underlying notions that have surfaced in recent years have not just generated
appeal and attention, but skepticism and misgivings. The point here is, one
phenomenon that makes the Philippine PubAd more difficult and lacking is the
unwillingness of new officials to continue the past administrations’ projects and
programs no matter how effective they may be. Case in point, the pending projects of
the Aquino administration like the Metro Rail Transit 7 is still under construction
despite the 2019 target. Instead of finishing the pending projects, the Duterte
Administration launched ‘Build, build, build’. Indeed, the projects easy access and
less travel time, but the pending projects from the past administration that the current
administration refuses to continue hinders the development that may have been
provided. The issue lies on the fact that the country and its infrastructures’
development is delayed because of ‘too much politics and lack of continuity and
institution memory’—this concept is at fault for the severe delays in the infrastructural
development. This may be seen as a disease to the PubAd—they ignore previous
planning initiatives for their short-term and opportunistic agenda. A solution to this is
perhaps giving an edge to the DPWH and launch a ‘monitoring body’ that shall keep
track and push for the delayed infrastructures. With a monitoring body that may
pressure the ‘new’ officials seated, then no projects will be left delayed and no
progress may be hampered.
Give three lesson learned/key message in the course of Devpath and how will you
use/promote it beyond the course. For example, what have you learned with the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), what will work and how will you promote it?
(maximum 250 words)
There are numerous concepts attached to the course Devpath, but indeed, there are
just certain ones that stand out. My most favorite takeaway would be the elements of
good governance. There, accountability, participation, predictability, transparency,
are the factors that constitute a good governance. All of which the current
administration is lacking. With the knowledge I have acquired, I now have a stronger
basis for calling out the government—to which I may educate others that the country
deserves better. As the strategic framework for development suggests, good
governance leads to an effective government and eventually sustainable
development. This leads me to my second favorite lesson, which are the Sustainable
Development Goals. However, the SDGs is not as simple as others may perceive,
because in order to achieve them, it entails different facets of the society which are
the economy, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Since it requires
extensive efforts, a student like me may partake in introducing the concept of SDGs
starting with the reaching the local government units and making use of social media
which is the leading platform especially with the pandemic. Lastly, I appreciated
learning about the two models of aid where one (Humanitarian Aid) is directed
towards helping and one (Developmental Approach) initiates growth. Inspiration may
be drawn from both, especially the humanitarian aid as it proves that despite the
administration’s lacking, other states are willing to help. Certainly, it pushed students
like me into believing in aid programs and partaking in the future.