PPSA NCR holds first lecture caravan at UST

The Philippine Political Science Association – National Capital Region Cluster held its first Lecture Caravan series at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center, University of Santo Tomas, last October 26, 2023. This particular Lecture featured Dr Anthony Lawrence Borja from De La Salle University and Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio, PhD, Chair of the UST Political Science program and Member of the PPSA Board.

The event was opened by remarks from Atty. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, the acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, as well as a message from Dr. Jan Robert Go, President of the PPSA.

In his lecture, Dr. Borja dwelled on the question of popular sovereignty, comparing perspectives from Rousseau, Agamben, and other thinkers of the philosophical tradition. He also delineated the difference between the concept of “the people” and the essence of popular sovereignty, citing the example of Philippine politics as one of its paradoxes. Finally, he described how popular sovereignty is not necessarily democratic, given the recent experience of certain countries which had populist governments and policies in recent years. Dr. Borja ended his lecture with other research areas possible with the topic of popular sovereignty.

Dr Ignacio’s lecture, on the other hand, focused on politics of the, and in, the margins and how power is manifested through nodal governance, contrasting the latter concept with local governance. He emphasized that nodal governance can be formal or informal, within or outside the legal structure, in which people participate and exercise their power, especially those whom society considers the margins. He also discussed issues of nodal governance, such as underrepresentation, limited access to positions of power, and restricted platforms for participation. One example he cited was the informal sectors found in the heritage district of Intramuros, Manila, and why the local government has tried and failed to address the issue of informal housing in the area is, by itself, a manifestation of nodal governance.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a brief synthesis by Dr. Reynold Agnes, Regional Representative for NCR of the PPSA.

This event was made possible through the participation of member institutions in the National Capital Region. PPSA NCR would also like to extend its gratitude, especially to Dr Borja and Dr Ignacio; the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas; the UST Political Science Forum; the FEU Political Science Society; and the University of Makati for their efforts and contributions in making the event successful.