Name: Marelle Joy T. Advento
Pogram and Year Level: BS Management, First Year
REACTION PAPER
Maria Pilar Lorenzo’s “The Birth of Philippine Public Administration: In the Shadow of the
USA” is a technical report which tackles the history of how Philippine Public Administration came
to be established. Its humble beginnings commenced with the assistance of USA-based universities,
the University of Michigan in 1952, followed by Harvard University. The report mentions the
influence of USA’s Democratic bureaucracy to the Philippines and how it was observed on certain
practices such as the election of Philippine President that is open for all citizens that abides the 5
criteria mentioned in Article VII Section 2 of the 1987 Institution. Moreover, the USA’s progressive
movement which transformed patronage into an authentic reward and merit system was also
reflected in the Philippines Public Law No. 5 that mandated civil service examination and standard
appointment in the bureaucracy. Lorenzo emphasized that the preeminent aspect the Philippines has
obtained from echoing the Public Administration of the USA is the democratic form of our
government. However, Lorenzo also highlighted the stained interests of the United States. The USA
tried to re-build the Philippines through its laws to guarantee it stays under their influence. Examples
that were mentioned include giving equal rights to both American corporations and Philippine
citizens and deploying American “advisers” in the Philippine government. The aspects of life were
certainly invaded as well. Filipinos started patronizing American standards and the belief about what
