The science that is politics

For the next two years, Far Eastern University (FEU)’s very own Reynold Agnes leads the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) as its president. Agnes is the first FEU alumnus to be elected to the position since PPSA’s founding in 1962—a distinction of which he is well-aware and takes into consideration in his decision-making. 

“The PPSA is composed of professionals, scholars, and groups from different universities, so the best approach is to consult with them and reconcile our positions toward the common good,” said Agnes. This consultative leadership, he said, is best for the organization.

Before his election recently, he had served as inaugural representative of PPSA’s National Capital Region cluster. During his term at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were able to hold a national symposium. At present they periodically conduct lecture-caravans as they continue to strengthen the mission and vision of the PPSA, he said, crediting the hard work of volunteers—professionals and students alike. 

“The [PPSA] shall promote the discipline of political science in the country and the region,” the organization’s mission statement shows, while its vision is “[to] be the leading institution for the promotion of the discipline of political science and the center for knowledge production and dissemination to the political science community and the public.” 

Positive thinking is a unifying factor among them in the PPSA, said Agnes, as well as their mutual respect. He agreed that officers have a sense of fulfillment when the members are satisfied with their leadership. 

“Members are happy and inspired. Together we work to meet the objectives of the organization,” said Agnes.  

At present he serves as a tenured faculty member of the Department of Political Science in FEU’s Institute of Arts Sciences (IAS). As such, he emphasizes the importance of accountability. 

“As teachers, we are accountable to ourselves as much as we are accountable to our students and the community. Political education is indeed necessary nowadays,” said Agnes. “Public service requires self-effacement.” 

Who qualifies and what does it take to join PPSA? One only needs to apply for membership—signifying their interest on the science that is politics. 

Collegial Relationship 

“I am a member of the PPSA. While I know a lot of people in PPSA, [Dr. Agnes] was the one who included me in one of the recent activities,” said Wayne Winter Uyseco, an international studies faculty member of FEU’s IAS. 

Uyseco said Agnes is easy to work with because he values professionalism and collaboration. Despite his busy schedule given his workload, it is easy to collaborate with him because he will always find time to help out, said Uyseco.  

“He also throws a lot of ideas to improve workflow,” said Uyseco. “[Agnes] is very approachable and easy to get along with. He is able to start a conversation with anybody. Aside from this, he has a lot of valuable insights and work that helps the organization. This is why it was a no brainer for people to vote for him as president.” 

Uyseco recalled a conversation he had with Agnes about his own dissertation. Agnes, said Uyseco, was able to provide a few ideas that helped him build his theory. Agnes likewise shared valuable data that Uyseco needed.  

“Given his connections and experience, he easily helps others without thinking twice,” said Uyseco. “While the previous PPSA was already very active in reaching universities in various regions, I hope PPSA will be able to hold more activities with [the International Political Science Association]. If possible, maybe FEU can host.” 

Mentoring the Young 

Jared Izek Mallillin, newly elected president of FEU Political Science Society, considers Agnes a mentor, a guide, and a pillar of his program.  

“[Dr. Agnes] understands the experiences that shape us as students,” said Mallillin. “His expertise as a former department [chairperson] is evident in the way he masterfully teaches our courses, making complex ideas both engaging and accessible.” 

But Agnes’s impact, said Mallillin, goes far beyond the walls of the classroom. Agnes, said Mallillin, inspires aspiring political scientists to look beyond their immediate surroundings and recognize the vast opportunities that the program offers.  

“Through [Dr. Agnes’s] unwavering support and deep commitment to our growth, he challenges us to think critically, dream boldly, and pursue our ambitions with confidence,” said Mallillin, adding a quote from their first meeting: “As political science students, we are trained to always demonstrate what is good and criticize what is wrong.”