Professional Track - PSU School of Advanced Studies

🌍 INTERNATIONAL VISITING LECTURE: Communicating Development in the Digital Age

We are honored to announce that the Master in Development Management Program, in cooperation with the AB English Language and Public Administration Programs of PSU Bayambang, Lingayen, and Urdaneta City, will host an International Visiting Lecture featuring Dr. Poppy Febriana.

Dr. Febriana is the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law, and Social Science at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA), Indonesia. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of development communication in today's tech-driven world.

📅 When: March 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Where: PSU Golden Lion Hotel - Ylangylang (HYBRID)
🎙️ Topic: "Communicating Development in the Digital Age"

See you there, PSUnians!

Calling all MPA, MDM, and Ph.D. students of SAS and OUS! 📣

Are you looking for a powerful AI tool to elevate your research and policy analysis?

Join us this Saturday for an Online Orientation on SPARK (Structured Policy Analysis and Research Knowledge), a free, open online AI system designed specifically to mentor students and practitioners through the methodology of evidence-based policy analysis in the Philippines.

Learn directly from the creator, Prof. Ebinezer R. Florano, Ph.D. (Professor XI & UP Scientist II, UP NCPAG & Convenor, CIDS Data Science for Public Policy Program), as he guides you on how to leverage this AI platform for your academic and professional work.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 NN
📍 Venue: Via Zoom / PSU SAS AVR

Access the platform here: https://policyailab.com/

💻 Zoom Details:

Meeting ID: 945 6510 4949

Passcode: 345831

Don't miss this opportunity to advance your data science and policy research skills. See you there!

Title Defense Highlights – March 14, 2026
SAS Defense Room | Professional Track Programs (MME, MBA, MPA)

The School of Advanced Studies proudly recognizes the successful conduct of the Title Defense for our Professional Track programs. This milestone showcased the dedication, expertise, and vision of our graduate students as they presented capstone projects designed to address pressing gaps in their respective industries.

MME Students

• ENGR. Grazel Purganan
• ENGR. Jameel Mercado
• ENGR. Moises Mercado Pascua
• ENGR. Ronnel Carbonel Purganan
• ENGR. Ruby Jane Agayan Merced

MBA Student

• Ma. Liza Ermino

MPA Students

• Dr. Julie Junio
• Frank Leonard Pacia

With diverse backgrounds and specializations, these scholars brought forward a variety of innovative outputs each one aimed at strengthening communities, improving systems, and creating sustainable solutions. Their work reflects the SAS commitment to academic excellence and service to society.

Congratulations to our Professional Track students for this significant step in their academic journey. Your vision and perseverance inspire us all to continue building a better community through research and leadership.

Pre-Final Defense Highlight | PSU SAS Professional Track (MDM)

Held last March 14, 2026 at the PSU SAS Defense Room, KRIZEL JOY B. NATIVIDAD, MDM student, presented her capstone study:

“Youth Farmer’s Journey to the Land of the Rising Sun: A Phenomenological Study” 🇯🇵

Guided by her adviser, Dr. Madlyn Tingco, the study offers valuable strategic inputs positioned to enhance agricultural programs further strengthening initiatives that support the country’s agricultural sector and empowering the next generation of youth farmers.

Congratulations, Krizel Joy, for this milestone! Your work reflects the PSU SAS commitment to nurturing servant-leaders whose scholarship translates into meaningful impact for communities and industries.

Pre-Final Defense Highlight | PSU SAS Professional Track (MBA)

Last Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the SAS Defense Room, Clarens Duave Apelo, MBA student and proud owner of Marleo Trading Company, successfully presented her capstone study:

“Strategic Planning for Marleo Trading Company: A Road to Becoming the Most Trusted Logistics”

Guided by her adviser, Dr. Karen Lea A. Estira, the defense showcased how academic rigor and entrepreneurial vision can converge. As the proponent is the owner of the firm, this study’s output is not only scholarly but also a strategic blueprint to leverage Marleo Trading Company into an industry leader in logistics.

Congratulations, Clarens Duave Apelo, for this milestone! Your work embodies the PSU SAS mission of empowering professionals to transform knowledge into impact bridging academia and enterprise for community and industry advancement.

Pre-Final Defense Highlight | PSU SAS Professional Track

Last Saturday at the SAS Defense Room, the Professional Track (MME) proudly witnessed the pre-final defense of ENGR. Angelo Ali Mabitasan Jr., presenting his study:

“Analysis of Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP)”

With the steadfast support of his adviser, Engr. Catherine T. Caoile, the defense became a meaningful exchange of ideas, strengthening the research’s contribution to sustainable resource management and community development.

Congratulations, Engr. Mabitasan, for this milestone! Your work reflects the commitment of PSU SAS to nurture leaders and innovators who create impact beyond the academe.

Let’s Go MDM and MPA Capstone Proposal Defense! Way to go in your graduate school pursuit!

On January 30, 2026, our MPA and MDM students have successfully defended their Capstone Proposal Defense. A milestone that reflects not only academic rigor but also the courage to dream and the determination to make those dreams possible.

1. CLAUNA, Kenneth L.
2. DELA CRUZ, Mark Cyrus P.
3. EVANGELISTA-BAYYA, Joana Marie L.
4. MASIGLAT, Maricar T.
5. SALES, Ferdinand M.

With our Esteemed Panel:

• Dr. Paulo Cenas – SAS Executive Director
• Dr. Christian Thom Tabisola – SAS Program Dean
• Dr. Nova Arquillano – MPA Chairperson
• Dr. Pedro Junjun Quimson – MDM Chairperson
• Dr. Ian Gamo – MPA/MDM Senior Faculty

This defense is more than an academic requirement, it is a testament that dreams are possible with faith, perseverance, and guidance. Each proposal carries the promise of impact, service, and transformation for our communities.

May this achievement be the beginning of greater contributions to society, and may you continue to embody the spirit of leadership and service that graduate education calls forth.