NBSC STAFF ATTENDED TRAINING COURSE ON STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS
Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) recently participated in a two-day training course on Strategic Communications for Public Sector Leaders held on November 20–21, 2025 at San Alberto Hurtado Hall, School of Government, Social Development Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. NBSC was represented by Ms. Blessel Jane N. Quiño, Mr. Ralph A. Bagotsay, and Ms. Alliana Isa E. Vivares from the Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO).
In line with NBSC’s commitment to enhancing its communication capabilities, the delegation extended its gratitude to NBSC President Dr. Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera, CESE, and Supervising Administrative Officer Mr. Benzar Glen S. Grepon, MIT, for their support in making the participation possible.
Day 1 opened with remarks from Ms. Sharon Grace S. Yabut, Head of the Executive Education Program (ExecEd) under the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), setting the tone for a highly focused discussion on communication’s role in public leadership. Dr. Jonathan E. Malaya, MPSA, served as resource speaker and facilitator, framing the day around the critical relationship between communication and governance. He underscored how perceptions form—even in silence—and engaged participants in examining core communication functions, distinctions between public affairs and strategic communications, and the link between messaging, mandates, and public trust. The sessions also introduced the OASIS Framework, a structured model built around setting objectives, identifying the audience, shaping the strategy, implementing said strategy, and applying a scoring process to assess results.
Day 2 was facilitated by Leon Flores III, CESE, MPM, CPMph, CPMAsia, who guided participants through seven modules: changing landscape and evolving publics; knowing your audience; digital governance; strategic communications in organizations; performance reporting, messaging and storytelling; leadership communications; and branding. The sessions not only addressed current trends and organizational messaging but also encouraged participants to think critically about how to apply these concepts in real-world public sector contexts.
Both days featured practical exercises that allowed participants to apply key concepts and begin shaping their own communication strategies.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Jennifer Santiago Oreta, Dean of the ASoG, followed by the awarding of certificates and a group photo.
For NBSC, the training provided a valuable opportunity to broaden institutional perspectives and enhance the effectiveness of its public engagement efforts. The insights gained are expected to inform future initiatives, supporting more coherent messaging, strategic outreach, and a stronger presence within the wider community.
