NU Clark - Political Science Society

𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗦 | 𝗡𝗨 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The NU Clark Department of Political Science proudly recognizes the recipients of the Best Thesis Award for AY 2025–2026.

This distinction is annually bestowed upon the students whose undergraduate thesis exemplifies exceptional theoretical depth, methodological rigor, and practical relevance in political science inquiry, while reflecting the intellectual values of the Department as an emerging hub of critical knowledge production and civic engagement in the region.

The winning thesis is selected by the esteemed Thesis Committee from among the students who successfully defended their undergraduate theses as one of the terminal requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program.

This year, it is awarded to Jaimee Hannah C. Barte, Rachelane Shaina C. Cayanan, Glezette D. Garcia, Michael F. Marbella, and Joellyn Faye G. Ocampo for their study entitled "The Making of a Precariat: Everyday Politics of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Workers in Pampanga." The study was conducted under the advisorship of Asst. Prof. Jessie S. Malibiran Jr., MA.

Their study examines the contradictions between Pampanga's rapid development and the everyday realities of the workers who sustain its expanding BPO industry. Drawing on Marxist political economy, Benedict Kerkvliet's framework of everyday politics, and Guy Standing's concept of the precariat, the study investigates how BPO workers experience, interpret, and negotiate precarious labor conditions within a province widely celebrated as a model of regional development.

Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine narratives generated through in-depth pakikipagkuwentuhan with 24 BPO workers in Pampanga, the researchers reveal how workers simultaneously experience the industry as a source of opportunity and a site of insecurity, exhaustion, and alienation. The study argues that BPO workers constitute an emerging precariat class whose labor drives regional development while remaining socially and politically marginalized. It demonstrates how the material insecurities of precarious labor encourage individualized coping strategies, weaken collective forms of political engagement, and shape the distinctive political orientations of the precariat.

By foregrounding workers' lived experiences, the thesis offers a critical and locally grounded contribution to political science scholarship, challenging conventional measures of development and asking a fundamental question: who truly benefits from economic growth, and at what cost?

We extend our warmest congratulations to our student researchers for this outstanding achievement.

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Here are some moments captured during the Second Model Congress of the second-year Political Science students, held as the culminating activity for the Parliamentary Practice and Procedures course. Through debates, motions, deliberations, and legislative discussions, students immersed themselves in the realities of parliamentary governance and democratic decision-making.

The culminating activity provided an avenue for our students to translate classroom theories into practice, sharpening their skills in public speaking, critical analysis, negotiation, and policymaking. More than a simulation, the Model Congress served as a platform for students to engage with the processes that shape governance and public policy.

(c) Mark Soriano; Jhylliane Baluyut; Khyel Saluper
Yuan Constantino; Louise Sabado

𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

The second-year Political Science students of NU Clark successfully conducted their Second Model Congress as the culminating activity for PSPPP01X: Parliamentary Practice and Procedures. Designed as an experiential learning exercise, the activity immersed students in the legislative process, allowing them to simulate the proceedings of a parliamentary body and apply concepts learned throughout the course in a practical setting.

Through the simulation, students assumed the roles of legislators and engaged in parliamentary deliberations, debates, motions, and the consideration of proposed measures. The activity provided students with a practical understanding of parliamentary rules, legislative procedures, and democratic decision-making, while strengthening their skills in public speaking, negotiation, critical analysis, and policy discussion.

At NU Clark Political Science, we believe that political learning extends beyond the classroom. By immersing students in simulations of real-world political institutions, we cultivate future leaders who understand not only the theories of governance, but also the processes, challenges, and responsibilities that shape democratic practice.

𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝘀, 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 | 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲

The Department of Political Science successfully conducted the Seminar on Diplomatic Protocols, Social Graces, and Tips for Serving as Liaison Officer led by Dr. Stephanie Betariz O. Valera. Organized as part of our Diplomatic and Consular Relations course, the seminar provided students with practical knowledge and essential skills in diplomatic protocol, professional etiquette, and proper decorum in formal engagements. The activity aimed to prepare students for future roles in public service, diplomacy, international relations, and other professional settings that require effective representation and interpersonal competence.

Throughout the session, students explored the fundamental principles of diplomatic protocol, professional etiquette, and social graces in both formal and semi-formal settings. It also highlighted the roles and responsibilities of liaison officers, emphasizing effective communication, cultural sensitivity, stakeholder engagement, and professionalism in handling guests, state officials, and institutional partners. Through these discussions, participants gained valuable insights into the standards and expectations of diplomatic and institutional engagements.

At NU Clark PolSci, we continue to provide learning opportunities that bridge academic knowledge with professional practice. By exposing students to the norms, skills, and responsibilities associated with diplomacy and public service, we cultivate future leaders who are prepared to engage confidently and professionally in local, national, and international settings.