Manila City – Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno discussed the opportunities for research and professional development activities and local finance reforms with Director Daniel Nelson of the Accelerated Learning and Global Engagement Executive Education – Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Executive Director Julio S. Amador III of the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, together with the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) OIC Executive Director Ma. Pamela P. Quizon, in a meeting held on 14 March 2023, at the 6th Floor DOF Conference Room in Manila City.  

In the said meeting, Secretary Diokno explored the Fulbright opportunities in addressing the country’s gaps in human resources and Maxwell School’s involvement in other countries in terms of local finance. Specifically, the DOF can tap Maxwell’s offerings on non-degree programs or executive trainings for public sector officials to further develop a pool of professionally competent, value-informed and ethical individuals on public policy, current issues and concerns.  

Furthermore, OIC Executive Director Quizon welcomed Maxwell’s intention to collaborate with the DOF and its attached agency via their in-house training academy. Moreover, talks on a potential partnership with Fulbright’s Specialist Program for BLGF’s employee capacity development was initiated.  

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship from the Fulbright Program, where BLGF Executive Director Niño Raymond B. Alvina serves as the 2022 awardee, is part of the Maxwell School’s programs dedicated to preparing individuals for careers in public service.