In response to growing concerns over political leadership and electoral integrity, the Community Leaders Formation Program (CLFP) was launched by Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative (PAC), in partnership with Benguet State University (BSU) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This initiative offers a transformative leadership education rooted in indigenous values and community-centered governance.

Different offices across BSU—such as the College of Public Administration and Governance, the International Relations Office, the Department of Environmental Sciences, and the College of Social Sciences (CSS)—played a vital role in shaping the program’s academic and ethical foundation. Resource persons from the different offices delivered key modules covering Cordillera history and indigenous governance, the Philippine democratic system and electoral process, ethical leadership and public accountability, responsible citizenship, and the role of civil society organizations in democratic development.

These align with BSU’s vision of becoming a leading institution in inclusive extension services and cultural stewardship. These contributions also reflect CSS’s enduring commitment to advancing indigenous knowledge systems and civic education.

CLFP was implemented through two innovative modalities: the Field School, offering face-to-face learning, and School-On-Air (Teleradyo), broadcasting educational modules to remote communities. The program ran from August 9 to November, with a graduation ceremony for both modalities scheduled in December.

Through CLFP, CSS continues to empower emerging leaders with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to foster ethical governance and robust communities.//Maribelle T. Apnoyan (CSS Information Officer); Photo: Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative Facebook Page