diplomacy and governance
diplomacy and governance
2025 Run Date: May 17, 24 & 31
Time: 24 Total Hours
Module Fee: P13,200
This course is designed for early and mid-career professionals to introduce the basics of public policy especially for those who have not taken prior courses in public policy. It is divided into four main modules to be delivered in four days (one module per day). Module 1 focuses on the definition, meaning and concepts of public policy including a discussion of values, actors, and institutions of public policy.
Module Objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the public policy concept and context including the different theories and models of public policy.
- Discuss the evolution of the discipline of public policy and the policy system.
- Demonstrate understanding of how public policy theory relates to real-world issues.
- Debate on the different perspectives on policy issues using evidence and public policy concept
- Demonstrate understanding and application of the public policy process and the various strategies and
approaches available to government in addressing policy problems - Identify interests, stakeholders, institutions, and actors that surround policy issues and problems
- Apply policy analysis tools for a policy problem
- Synthesize and describe the public policy process
- Develop oral and written communication skills for communicating policy.
Module Outline
Session 1:
- Introduction to Public Policy: Meaning, Nature, Values, Issues and Importance of Public Policy
- Meanings, Concepts, and Characteristics of Public Policy
- Policy Making for Complex Challenges in the 21st Century
- Rationale and Values Public Policies and the Role of the State and other actors
- Evolution of the Discipline of Public Policy and Models and Theories
Session 2:
- The Public Policy Process and Frameworks and Approaches in the Philippines
- The Public Policy Process
- Tools for Policy Analysis
Session 3:
- Public Policy for Development and Innovations: Perspectives and Application at Local and International Level
- Public Policymaking in the Philippines
- Policy Perspective for ASEAN’s Continuing Relevance
- Dynamics, Trends, and Practice of Public Policy Making in the Philippines and the Importance of
Communicating Public Policy- Dynamics and Trends and Practice of Public Policy Making in the Philippines
- Communicating and Advocating Public Policy
- Integration, Synthesis and Wrap up
2025 Run Date: Jun. 14, 21 & 28
Time: 24 Total Hours
Module Fee: P13,200
Transformative Leadership focuses on deepening one's moral compass to connect with self and others to effect value-based changes within, for, and through the organization. Good governance on the other hand initiates, improves, and sustains management systems, policies, directions, and structures that are according to moral and ethical standards with openness and transparency, and likewise calls for the engagement of an active and responsible citizenry. The convergence and integration of these two perspectives will ensure that an organization’s core being is able to be strategic and effective in carrying out its mandate.
This module is an introductory course in leadership and governance in the Philippines. The module is designed for participants to understand and examine the various themes, dynamics, intricacies, and challenges of leadership and governance in the Philippines. In particular, it provides a foundation for all leaders, unit managers, program managers, and project leaders who desire to nurture their organization toward strategic change through a transformational leadership framework by integrating life and work from the inside out. Also, the context of Transformational Leadership is that of Good Governance, where the fundamental aspect of an organization’s well-being - its management systems, policies, directions, and structures - ensures the effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability of the organization.
This module is designed for those in public entities (government agencies, LGUs), as well as private groups (NGOs, foundations, civic organizations) that seek to initiate positive change and lasting impact in and through their organization.
Module Objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
- Explained the state of governance in the Philippines’ national and international affairs
- Examined the critical aspects of leadership as applied in governance.
- Formulated a personal definition of transformational or transformative leadership and good governance
- Articulated good governance and transformational leadership goals given his/her organization
- Assessed his/her own organization based on the dimensions of a transforming community and introducing good governance
- Researched and reported on the standards of Good Governance for his/her organization
- Evaluated and reported on his/her organization’s distinct/unique/critical management system, policies, directions, and structures.
- Written a reflection paper on the value of integrating the framework of transformational leadership and Good governance.
- Expressed his/her commitment to the framework and values of transformational leadership and good governance.
Module Outline
Session 1:
- Context Setting and Current Societal Realities and the Need for Good Governance and Transformative Leadership
- Governance Basics and the Art of Governance
- Governance and Good Governance: Definition and Characteristics of Good Governance
- Governance, Leadership, and Sustainable Development in the Philippines and Beyond
Session 2:
- Leadership in the 21st Century
Transformative Leadership and Other Leadership Examples
Session 3:
- Good Governance and Development
Active Citizenship, Leadership, and Good Governance
2025 1st Run Date: Feb. 15, 22 & Mar. 1
2025 2nd Run Date: Sep. 6, 13 & 20
Time: 24 Total Hours
Module Fee: P13,200
In an ever-changing Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) world, early and mid-level professionals must navigate the field armed with foundational knowledge on Diplomacy and International Relations.
Module 1 offers an overview of the core concepts of International Relations, as well as its evolution throughout the ages in line with the emergence of the Modern State and the changing political landscape of the world. Further, it introduces students to the Mainstream and Critical approaches used by analysts, which are a critical part of any International Relations or Diplomacy professional’s toolkit for analyzing or interpreting scenarios, as well as determining possible solutions.
In Module 2, students are given a glimpse of the makings, relevance, and unlimited potential of diplomacy from the perspective of retired Career Ambassadors. It serves as an opportunity for students to expand their appreciation of this tool in navigating the professional world.
Lastly, Module 3 combines lessons learned from Modules 1 and 2 by re-contextualizing them in relation to a future where international organizations, governments, and other stakeholders must learn to work with disruptive technologies in responding to global problems.
Module Objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts, principles, and approaches at the core of International Relations as a discipline.
- Discuss the evolution of International Relations adjacent to the transformation of international actors and the global political landscape.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how International Relations theory informs the analysis and interpretation of international issues.
- Discuss the forces that reshape how Diplomacy is practiced throughout the ages.
- Demonstrate understanding of the application of Diplomacy as a tool in different contexts and situations.
- Identify the stakeholders, institutions, and actors involved in policy- and decision-making.
- Demonstrate understanding of the interface between International Organizations, and Global Governance and multilateralism within a globalized world that is being reshaped by Disruptive Technologies.
- Assess the strengths and limitations of international actors in responding to global issues on the multisectoral level.
Module Outline
Session 1:
- Introduction to International Relations and Global Politics
- International Relations as a Discipline and Practice
- International Relations Through the Lens of Mainstream Approaches
- International Relations Through the Lens of Critical Approaches
- Applying Mainstream and Critical Approaches to Analyzing International Issues
Session 2:
- The Foundations of Diplomacy
- Foundations of Diplomacy
- Diplomacy as an Instrument of Peace and Collaboration
- Bilateralism and the Role of Ministries of Foreign Affairs
- Multilateralism in the International Arena
Session 3:
- Navigating Global Governance Amidst the Rise of Disruptive Technologies in the VUCA World
- Globalization: Definition, History, and Trends
- Global Governance
- Global Governance, Multilateralism, and International Organization
- Global Governance in the VUCA World and Age of Disruptive Technologies
2025 1st Run Date: Mar. 15, 22 & 29
2025 2nd Run Date: Oct. 4, 11 & 18
Time: 24 Total Hours
Module Fee: P13,200
Program development and project management courses will utilize adult experiential learning techniques as students will have the opportunities to practice and process what they learn. This course will expose you to the fundamentals of program development and project management. You will gain a systematic and comprehensive understanding of key concepts and skills essential for effective program development and project management in governance and international affairs as well as in managing projects in non-government organizations within the context of political, economic, and social environments. You will learn the different techniques and tools used in designing, managing, and evaluating programs, projects, and activities by utilizing existing PPAS of the government and NGOs. You will also learn the different project structures, implementation practices, and strategies to address potential problems and obstacles in project implementations as well as the tools for evaluating projects by utilizing results-based management and theories of change (TOC). Finally, students will develop skills and competencies in grant proposal writing - that practitioners need to be effective in a range of different professional contexts.
Module Objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts, principles, approaches, and the role of program development and management in sustainable development
- Discuss and apply all the steps in the project management cycle
- Identify the stakeholders, institutions, and actors involved in implementing programs, projects, and activities of the government and NGO sector
- Utilize program and project management tools in your respective organization including the usage of logical framework, theory of change, and RBM.
- Critically investigate a development issue and develop a grant proposal with a proposed financial and evaluation plan for consideration by your respective organization or any other donor agency.
Module Outline
Session 1:
- Introduction to Project Cycle Management
- Contextualizing the Role of Projects in Development
- VUCA and Global Practices on PM
- Designing a Project for Results: Examples from Development Agencies and Government Agencies
Workshop/Exercise on Project Design
Session 2:
- The Project Management Cycle
- Project Planning and Needs Assessment
- Project Implementation
- Use of Logical Framework in Project Planning
Cases on Project Implementation: What went wrong? What can we do?
Session 3:
- The Fundamentals of RBM/MEL and Grant Proposal Writing
- RBM and Theory of Change
- Tools in RBM and Best Practices; Formulating Indicators
- Grant Proposal Writing: Steps and Processes
- Cases and Group workshops on the Grant Proposal
2024 Run Date: Nov. 16, 23 & Dec. 7
2025 1st Run Date: Apr. 12, 26 & May 3
2025 2nd Run Date: Nov. 8, 15 & 22
Time: 24 Total Hours
Module Fee: P13,200
The ‘Certificate Course in Diplomatic Skills and Protocol’ is designed to help early and mid-level professionals take their careers to the next level by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge of diplomatic protocol, social graces, and etiquette.
In Module 1, students are given a brief introduction to the art of diplomacy, the significance of protocol, and the enduring relevance of social graces and etiquette.
This is followed by Module 2, which further expands on Protocol. Topics range from the Order of Precedence and the appropriate way of addressing government officials, dignitaries, and other important people, to the protocol to be followed in displaying the Philippine flag on its own and alongside other flags, among others. Accordingly, Module 3 focuses on the components and considerations that must be taken into account when organizing official and social functions.
Module Objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts, principles, and fundamentals behind Diplomatic Skills and Protocol.
- Discuss the evolution of Diplomatic Practices and protocols and how it can be applied by Non-Diplomats to advance their profession.
- Demonstrate understanding of the practical application of Social Graces and Etiquette in official and social settings.
- Discuss the various contexts in which Social Graces and Etiquette are relevant and useful.
- Demonstrate understanding of the amount planning and organization required in putting together ceremonial activities, and formal and social events vis-à-vis established protocols.
Module Outline
Session 1:
- Introduction to Diplomatic Skills and Protocol
- Origin and Evolution of Protocol
- Social Graces and Etiquette
- Precedence
- Forms of Address and Title
Session 2:
- Protocol
- Protocol of the Flag
- Ceremonies
- Diplomatic Correspondence
- Intercultural Communication
Session 3:
- Organizing and Hosting Official and Social Functions
- Planning and Organizing Official or Social Functions
- Seating Arrangements and Order of Processions
- The Host
- The Protocol Officer
Executive Diploma in Diplomacy and Governance
The Executive Diploma in Diplomacy and Governance seeks to stamp a Benildean approach to public service whether the individual seeks to join or is already a member of the government.
The Diploma will equip participants with the skills needed to implement effective policy and manage organizations with diverse stakeholders; participants will also have a better understanding of the national and global contexts of public policy and international relations.
The target participants are from the public sector including the civil service, military, and law enforcement sectors, universities, the non-profit sector, and even from the private sector who are interested to attend an inter-disciplinary program devoted to a better understanding of the Philippines and the International Community.
Short Courses
Political Campaigns, Risks and Elections
2025 Run Date: Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8 & 15
Time: 9:30 am-11:30 am & 2:30 pm-4:00 pm (Synchronous) and 11:30 am-2:30 pm & 4:00pm-5:30 pm (Asynchronous)
Duration: 32 Total Hours
Module Fee: P18,895
This course aims to empower and equip campaign managers, consultants, operators, and candidates in the Philippines with the latest trends, innovations, and developments in modern campaigns. Through a combination of knowledge sharing, skills development, and collaborative learning, the program provides participants with the necessary tools and approaches for modern campaigns.
Module Objectives
Upon the completion of the course, the participant is expected to be able to:
A. Political Communication:
- Understand the cycle of the development of political message
- Testing, navigating and implementing the brand
- Explore innovative approaches in targeting your voters through messaging and branding
B. Digital Campaign and Social Media:
- Analyze the role of social media in political campaigns
- Learn the best practices in ‘managing’ digital communications in a political campaign
C. Artificial Intelligence:
- Examine how the artificial intelligence can be applied in campaigns and elections
- Embedding the artificial intelligence in the political campaigns
Module Outline
Session 1:
- Data Analytics and Survey
- Examining Data and Analytics in the Campaign
- Survey Says in Campaign and Elections
Session 2:
- Campaign Continuity Planning
- Understanding of the Campaign Continuity Planning
- The Importance of Political Mapping in Campaign Preparations
Session 3:
- Political Brands and Communications
- Why Political Communications matter for successful campaigns?
- Political Brand as one of the keys in winning the election
Session 4:
- How to prepare for successful campaigns
- Preparing your ground operations in winning the elections
- Lessons in air war and social media campaigns
Lecturers
Dr. Gary G. Ador Dionisio
Dean, Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance
Dr. Robin Michael Garcia
CEO, WR Advisory Group Philippines
University of Pennsylvania
Prof. Cleve Arguelles
President, WR Numero
Assistant Professor, De La Salle University – Manila
Mr. Raffy Albert III
Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros