On 24 April 2025, the UP Law Center Institute of Government and Law Reform (UP IGLR), in partnership with the Office of the Judge Advocate General Service Reserve, AFPRESCOM (JAGS Reserve), successfully hosted the “Evidence to Action: Strengthening the AFP in Policy Development” seminar at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The event commenced with the Chief of the JAGS Reserve, BGen Peter Suchianco, delivering the opening remarks, where he emphasized the necessity of equipping the JAGS Reserve with tools to actively contribute to governance and public policy work.
Personnel from various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines deepened their skills in evidence-based policy-making through two key sessions:
Dir. Gilbert Lumantao of the Policy Research Office of the Development Academy of the Philippines discussed the principles of policy formulation and design — covering problem analysis, policy options, and designing effective interventions.
Dr. Romulo Miral, Jr., Deputy Secretary General of the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives, delivered insights on policy monitoring and evaluation, equipping participants with tools to assess policy outcomes and ensure effective implementation.
Participates engaged in spirited discussions with the lecturers in fleshing out issues and concerns on the development of policies within their respective mandates.
The event concluded with UP IGLR Director Assistant Professor Jacqueline Espenilla delivering the closing remarks, where she emphasized that beyond technical frameworks, policy is ultimately a human endeavor – an expression of national ideals translated into action. Framing the day’s learning as a call to stewardship, she reminded participants that policymaking demands both intellect and empathy, requiring courage, conviction, and a steadfast commitment to principle.
This seminar is part of the UP IGLR’s continuing commitment under its partnership with the JAGS Reserve on capacity building and policy analysis activities under a Memorandum of Understanding signed last 31 July 2024.
Written by: Keana Sumi Rachelle S. Nerona and Neil Dexter Jake A. Sebastian