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Meaningful change in government does not always begin with new policies or sweeping reforms. Sometimes, it starts with a leader willing to listen, a workplace ready to improve, and a commitment to make public service more responsive to the people it serves.

MANILA, Philippines — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the National Productivity Organization (NPO) of the Philippines, hosted the Asian Productivity Organization's (APO) 67th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (WSM) from 20 to 22 October 2026 in Manila, bringing together NPO Heads and delegates from APO member economies to strengthen regional cooperation and advance productivity initiatives. The three-day meeting provided a platform for member economies to review progress in implementing the APO Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) Plan, exchange experiences and lessons learned, and discuss key programs and initiatives under APO Vision 2030. Discussions focused on translating strategic priorities into concrete activities, strengthening member ownership, and improving the delivery of measurable results. As host NPO, DAP supported the gathering of regional productivity leaders as they shared updates on their respective SPP Plan activities, including implementation approaches, challenges, and opportunities for closer collaboration. The meeting also reviewed activities undertaken in 2026 and planned initiatives for 2027. The inaugural session featured opening remarks by APO Director for the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan; a statement by APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata; and an inaugural address by guest of honor Kim Robert C. de Leon, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). About the Development Academy of the Philippines: The Development Academy of the Philippines is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to serve as a change catalyst and performance-driven institution for excellence in governance and public service. About the Asian Productivity Organization: The Asian Productivity Organization is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1961 to improve productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation.

PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) brought together public-sector institutions, technology partners, and delegates from member economies of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the Beyond DX: AI Transformation Forum for the Philippine Public Sector on 22 October 2026 at Conrad Manila, providing a platform to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can strengthen government services, decision-making, and institutional capabilities. Organized under DAP's National Capability-Building Program on AI (AI CapB), the forum went beyond digital transformation (DX) to examine how government institutions can responsibly integrate AI into their services, workflows, and decision-making processes to create greater public value. Through presentations, video perspectives, live demonstrations, audience interaction, and a curated AI showcase, participants explored practical applications and implementation experiences from government agencies and selected technology partners. About the Development Academy of the Philippines: The Development Academy of the Philippines is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to serve as a change catalyst and performance-driven institution for excellence in governance and public service.

PASIG CITY — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) welcomed a delegation from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) of the National University of Singapore on October 12, 2026, for a meeting to exchange updates on their respective priorities and explore opportunities for continued collaboration.

PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) formalized a partnership on October 20, 2026, to develop and implement the Public Financial Management (PFM) Micro-Credentialing Program, aimed at strengthening the competencies of government budget professionals.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), together with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines, Department of Finance (DOF), and American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, is supporting the Department of Education (DepEd) in engaging investors, financial institutions, construction companies, and other potential partners for the PPP for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) IV–Mindanao.

How effectively do existing regulations work on the ground? What challenges do stakeholders encounter, and what improvements can be made?

Pasig City – Thirty-five (35) officers and staff of the Bangsamoro Parliament Secretariat began their four-day training on Effective Communication in Legislative Work at the Development Academy of the Philippines on 14 October 2026.