*2026 PSPA International Conference Concludes at University of Makati*

 

*Theme: "Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State"*

*University of Makati, Makati City — October 23, 2026*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA), in partnership with the University of Makati (UMak), successfully concludes the *2026 PSPA International Conference* today, October 23, 2026, at the University of Makati, City of Makati.

Held from October 21 to 23, 2026, the international conference convened scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, graduate students, and development partners from across the Philippines and abroad under the theme *"Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State."*

The conference comes at a critical time when governments across the globe face increasing public demands for transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and institutional resilience. Anchored on this reality, the three-day conference critically examined the complex relationship between public trust, corruption, political patronage, institutional reform, and democratic governance.

*RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES*

According to PSPA, while public administration has traditionally focused on improving efficiency and service delivery, contemporary governance challenges require moving beyond administrative dysfunction toward ethical, innovative, participatory, and citizen-centered governance.

The conference aims to:

1.  Foster interdisciplinary dialogue on administrative reforms;

2.  Generate evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen public institutions; and

3.  Showcase innovative practices in public governance in the Philippines and internationally.

*CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS*

The October 23 culmination features:

- International Keynote and Plenary Sessions with renowned experts in public administration and governance;

- Parallel Paper Presentation Sessions covering public administration, political science, economics, law, public policy, management, sociology, development studies, governance, information technology, and environmental studies;

- High-Level Policy Dialogue with Government Leaders;

- Public Administration Innovation Showcase featuring outstanding LGU and agency practices;

- Awarding of Best Paper and Best Presenter Awards; and

- Closing Ceremony and Presentation of Conference Resolutions.

Researchers and practitioners from various disciplines were invited to submit original research papers. Selected papers will be considered for publication in *UNIVERSITAS – The Official Journal of the University of Makati.*

*STATEMENT FROM ORGANIZERS*

"The administrative state is at a crossroads. This conference is not just about diagnosing gift, grift, and graft — it is about reclaiming public institutions so that they serve the people with integrity and accountability. Through this partnership with UMak, we strengthen the bridge between theory and practice in Philippine public administration," PSPA said in a statement.

The University of Makati, through its College of Governance and Public Policy, reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a center for governance innovation and ethical leadership development in the country.

*ABOUT PSPA*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA) is the premier professional organization of public administration scholars and practitioners in the Philippines, dedicated to advancing the study and practice of public administration toward good governance and national development.

For media inquiries, paper submissions, and publication details, please visit http://journals.umak.edu.ph or contact the PSPA Secretariat and the University of Makati Office of the University President.

*Contact:*

PSPA 2026 International Conference Secretariat

University of Makati (UMak)

J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Makati City, Philippines

Email: pspagovernance@gmail.com

Website: http://journals.umak.edu.ph