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President Benigno S. Aquino III hailed the members of the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) as “contributors to nation-building” and the “backbone of our bureaucracy” for joining government efforts in implementing reforms to eradicate corruption.

In his speech keynoting the commemoration of the UP-NCPAG’s 60th anniversary held simultaneous with the International Conference on Public Administration and Governance at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, President Aquino lauded UP-NCPAG’s advocacy to nurture graduates to become world-class and competent civil servants and leaders, guided by competence, integrity, professionalism, compassion and high ethical standards.

“After all, through the years, the National College of Public Administration and Governance has done more than its share of producing graduates who contribute to nation-building, and who help nurture institutions in government and in civil society. This is the institution we turn to, if we want to find some of the greatest, unheralded heroes of our bureaucracy,” the President said.

“This is why I made it a point to be here today: many of you, in one way or another, represent the backbone of our bureaucracy —people of excellence who work tirelessly with dedication and professionalism, so that we can truly change this country for the better. As your President, I know that if our administration succeeds in instituting widespread reform in this country, it will have been because of people like you; and I want to thank you for your service,” he added.

The NCPAG counts today the likes of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Rizal Governor Jun Ynares, Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, former Supreme Court Spokesperson Ismael Khan, Representative Dante Liban, former congressman Leandro Verceles and former Cavite Vice Mayor Alvin Mojica as among its many distinguished alumni who have served or are serving in government.

Established in 1952 as the Institute of Public Administration, the UP-NCPAG has been active in developing the discipline of public administration in the Philippines, strengthening it as a profession, and in serving as a social critic and support to government and non-governmental organizations for policy advice and technical assistance.

This year’s conference theme: “Tradition and Transformation,” highlights the significance of reviewing legacies of the past, challenges of the present and agenda of the future for the study and practice of public administration and governance.

by: PNA