Dr. Alexis Jan “Agoy” Patacsil, DBA, EdD, CSEE, is a multifaceted individual who seamlessly blends his career in public service with his unwavering commitment to the world of academia and the performing arts. With over two decades of dedicated experience in the realm of culture and the arts, his journey began during his high school years when he assumed the roles of student director for the glee club and band leader. These early experiences served as the foundation upon which he would build his extensive skill set in the field.
Agoy’s passion for culture and the arts was honed to perfection during his ten-year tenure with the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC). Under the mentorship of the esteemed Mezzo Soprano, Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, he underwent a transformative artistic evolution. During his time with UPCC, Agoy not only contributed to numerous awe-inspiring performances but also collaborated with renowned artists and assumed pivotal roles such as baritone soloist, Vice President, Choreographer, Stage Manager, and Tour Manager.
Following his remarkable eight world tours with UPCC, Agoy harnessed his rich experiences, wisdom gained from his mentors, and expertise in organizational studies to establish a new student performing group. With the support of Ms. Melani B. Pisig and the former Budget Secretary Salvador M. Enriquez, Jr., he assumed the role of Founding Artistic Director for what was then known as GANAP Quezon City Polytechnic University.
Guiding young talents, many hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds, Agoy was deeply inspired by their resilience and stories of humble beginnings. This inspiration fueled his passion for the performing arts, transforming it into a lifelong mission of giving back to society. As a testament to this mission, his original musicals consistently convey messages of spiritual fortitude, the culture of generosity, excellence in the performing arts, nation-building, the elevation of Filipino artistry, and social consciousness. These themes go beyond mere entertainment.
Through his rigorous training in performing arts, values formation, and business acumen, Agoy accomplished the remarkable feat of taking the group to international stages in just over a year. In 2018, GANAP achieved acclaim by winning three silver medals in Singapore. Subsequently, the group embarked on international goodwill concert tours in Macau in the same year and in the United States in 2019. Under Agoy’s leadership, GANAP underwent full institutionalization, transitioning into a non-profit organization known as GANAP Performing Arts Association, Inc. in 2018. Their dedication was recognized by the Holy See in 2018, the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal Awardee for Most Outstanding Institution in 2019, and three Special Congressional Recognitions from the US House of Representatives in 2020.
Beyond his remarkable achievements in the performing arts, Agoy boasts 13 years of invaluable experience in government service, which paved the way to his conferment as a Career Executive Service Eligible. He currently holds the position of Bank Officer at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Head Office, where he excels as a Subject Matter Expert and Special Projects Lead. Previously, he served as the Industrial Relations Development Chief at the National Electrification Administration and began his government career at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of the General Counsel.
Agoy’s academic journey is equally impressive. He is a life-long learner, a passionate educator and an accomplished researcher. His paper recently won the Alexis de Tocqueville Prize for Best Paper in Democracy and Public Opinion at the 77th World Association for Public Opinion Research 2024 Annual International Conference, where he made history as the first Filipino to win in the conference and first Asian to win the prize, alongside his paper adviser and co-author, Dr. Reginald Ugaddan. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (cum laude) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and two doctorate degrees, one in Education and the other in Business Administration. He has also completed a Certificate in Professional Education and successfully passed the Licensure Exam for Teachers. Furthermore, Agoy has supplemented his education with short courses in crisis leadership from the Asian Institute of Management and a Basic German Language course from the Foreign Service Institute, Department of Foreign Affairs. Currently, he is pursuing further academic growth through enrollment in the Master in Public Administration program at UP-NCPAG.
In summary, Dr. Alexis Jan “Agoy” Patacsil is a remarkable individual who wears multiple hats with distinction. He is a dedicated public servant, an inspiring educator, an internationally recognized keynote speaker, a visionary theatre director, a gifted musician, a skilled trainer, a versatile artist, and, above all, a devoted servant of the Almighty. His diverse talents and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a true asset to both the world of public service and the arts.