The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance, officially launched the four-day ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง on June 16, 2026, via Zoom, bringing together mayors, vice mayors, members of the Sanggunian (Panlalawigan, Panlungsod, and Bayan), and legislative staff from across the country for an intensive capability-building initiative.
Designed to strengthen legislative leadership at the local level, the course equips participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to craft innovative, evidence-based policies and ordinances that respond to emerging governance challenges and advance local development priorities.
Opening the program, DAP Acting President and CEO, ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ข๐จ ๐. ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ง underscored the vital role of local legislation in translating development goals into tangible outcomes for communities. The first day featured insights from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฒ. ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐. ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐จ๐ก๐ซ, who discussed the countryโs development aspirations and the Midterm Update of the Philippine Development Plan 2023โ2028, emphasized the importance of aligning local policies with national priorities.
Former Antipolo City Councilor and Social Housing Finance Corporation Board Member ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ ๐. ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง๐ followed with discussions on the strategic role of legislators as agents of change, highlighting key priorities during the first 100 days in office, as well as the lawmaking powers, procedures, and parliamentary dynamics of the Sanggunian.
Through expert-led lectures, data-driven exercises, and strategic workshops, participants are expected to develop policy proposals that will help accelerate inclusive and sustainable development in their respective localities.
