ASoG Executive Education Program holds training course on introduction to futures thinking in climate change; supports Lux in Domino (LID) goal of integral ecology

The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), through its Executive Education Program, officially kicked off its open short course offerings for the new fiscal year with Introduction to Futures Thinking in Climate Change, held on 16 July 2025, at Ateneo de Manila University. This one-day course introduced participants to the fundamental foresight and futures thinking concepts, principles, and methodologies, identifying key trends and envisioning possible futures for anticipating, adapting to, and addressing climate change and sustainability challenges and impacts. The course also supports the University’s Lux in Domino (LID) goal of advancing Integral Ecology, reinforcing Ateneo de Manila University’s commitment to sustainable and future-oriented governance.

The course brought together a diverse group of participants from various sectors, including representatives from Local Government Units such as Paranas (Samar), Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro), and Ormoc City (Leyte); National Government Agencies such as the Department of Energy, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Science and Technology; Civil Society Organizations such as Forest Foundation Philippines; and participants from the academe such as Asian Institute of Management and units within the Ateneo de Manila University. This blend of participants from different backgrounds and roles enriched the learning experience, providing them with the opportunity to network, learn from each other and gain best practices in embedding foresight into policy and program development across institutions.

The course was facilitated by Mr Reginald Rex E Barrer, an environmental scientist and planner with over two decades of experience in climate change, sustainable development, and environmental management. A full-time faculty member of ASoG, Mr. Barrer guided participants through a mix of lectures and hands-on workshops in futures thinking methodologies such as backcasting and moonshot exercises. These interactive sessions gave participants firsthand experience in envisioning long-term outcomes and identifying strategies to address climate risks. The training culminated in the brief presentation of participants' scenario outputs.

In her opening remarks, Ms Sharon Grace S. Yabut, Head of ASoG’s Executive Education Program, emphasized anticipatory governance, a core principle of the course, and applying foresight tools to their roles as public servants. In closing, Dean Jennifer Santiago-Oreta, PhD, congratulated the participants and highlighted that climate challenges are becoming more complex and unpredictable; futures thinking and foresight tools will enable them to shape more resilient and sustainable futures.

For upcoming course offerings and customized programs for the public sector, email us at execed.asog@ateneo.edu.