The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) welcomed students and faculty members from Misamis University for an institutional study visit held on May 5, 2026, at the DAP Main Office in Pasig City.
The delegation, composed of students from the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master in Public Administration programs, engaged with the DAP officers to gain firsthand insights into governance innovation, public-sector productivity, and leadership development initiatives being advanced by the Academy in support of public management and development.
Designed to bridge academic learning and real-world governance practice, the study visit provided the students with a deeper understanding of DAP’s mandates, flagship programs and initiatives aimed at modernizing public administration and strengthening institutional productivity in the Philippines.
The program formally opened with a welcome message from Joanne Liezl Nuque, Director of the Institutional Marketing Center (IMC), who also presented the DAP’s mandates, strategic priorities, and key development programs.
Peter Dan Baon, Program Director of the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), discussed the Center’s role in advancing productivity movements across the Asia-Pacific region. He highlighted DAP’s research, capability-building, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that support government institutions in addressing critical performance and governance challenges. He also showcased flagship initiatives such as the Capability Development Projects, Knowledge Products, and the NextGenPH Productivity Challenge, which promotes innovation and productivity awareness among young Filipinos.
Meanwhile, John Roel Gonzaga presented the BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program, an initiative designed to cultivate a new generation of ethical, innovative, and service-oriented public sector leaders. The program seeks to equip emerging leaders with the competencies necessary to navigate the evolving demands of governance and public service.
The visit also featured an engaging open forum where students exchanged insights with DAP officers and technical staff. Joining the discussion were Dr. Chester Cabalza, Director of the Center for Productivity and Quality Management and Extension, Linkages, and External Affairs of the Graduate School of Public Management (GSPM); Jeck Ruiz of GSPM; and Jhonn Robert Javier of the Center for CES Development. The panel shared perspectives on governance modernization, leadership development, and sustainable human capital formation in the public sector.
As a leading institution for public management and development, the Academy continues to open its doors to academic institutions to foster a culture of innovation and leadership among the youth and mid-career professionals.
Through initiatives such as institutional study visits, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to advancing public administration education and nurturing the next generation of nation-builders dedicated to shaping a more innovative, responsive, and future-ready Philippine public sector.
