SU, PPSA seal partnership for 2026 International Conference on Democracy

Silliman University (SU) and the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the hosting and co-organization of the 2026 International Conference of the PPSA, set on April 28–30, 2026, at SU in Dumaguete City.

The agreement was signed by SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann and PPSA President Dr. Reynold D. Agnes, affirming a shared commitment to advancing political science scholarship and collaboration.

Meanwhile, the signing was witnessed by Dr. Robert S. Guinoo-o II, executive director for Research, Innovation, and Publication Office (RIPO); Asst. Prof. John Barry N. Nuico, History and Political Science Department chair; Assoc. Prof. Jan Antoni A. Credo, department faculty member; and Glynnis Jean C. Casiño, Strategic Partnership and Enterprise Development officer-in-charge.

Under the agreement, PPSA will shoulder the overall cost of the conference through funding partners and registration fees, while SU will extend institutional support through the discounted use of its facilities, including the plenary hall and breakout rooms, as well as the provision of campus housing. PPSA will also waive registration fees for participating and presenting SU faculty members and graduate students.

The partnership further outlines coordinated logistical arrangements, with the PPSA Conference Secretariat and Steering Committee leading overall preparations, and SU mobilizing student volunteers from its political science programs to assist during the event. Provisions are also included for transportation support, fuel expenses, and overtime compensation for personnel assigned to conference operations, as well as a cultural night showcasing SU’s performing groups.

While centered on the formalization of responsibilities, the agreement also situates SU, through its History and Political Science Department, as host of the international conference, which convenes scholars and practitioners to examine contemporary issues on democracy under the theme “Democracy: Navigating the Tensions of Unity and Division.”

The conference officially kicks off today, April 28, at the Audio-Visual Theatre.