Baguio City, Philippines — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), led by its Acting President and CEO Leocadio S. Sebastian, PhD, CESO I, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Benjamin Magalong to explore strategic areas of collaboration in advancing local innovation and development initiatives in the City of Baguio.
Joining the DAP PCEO were Acting Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena Mendoza, DAP-Center for Governance Vice President Imelda Caluen, Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM) Dean Dr. Lizan Perante-Calina, and Center for Strategic Futures (CSF) Director Armand Tristan Suratos.
Anchored on DAP’s mandate as the government’s primary institution for capacity development, training, and research in public sector management, the meeting underscored the Academy’s continuing commitment to strengthening local governance systems and enabling cities to navigate complex development challenges through innovation, strategic foresight, and evidence-based policymaking.
Mayor Magalong expressed strong interest in forging a partnership with DAP, particularly in advancing market development initiatives within the city. He emphasized the importance of innovative, systems-based approaches in enhancing Baguio’s competitiveness while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
In response, DAP conveyed its readiness to support the City Government of Baguio and committed to submitting a proposed concept for collaboration aligned with the city’s development priorities.
During the discussion, Director Suratos introduced Linking Innovation Partners towards Accelerated Development in the Philippines (LIPAD PH) as a potential platform for partnership. LIPAD PH is the flagship initiative of the DAP-CSF that aims to support local government units in achieving smart and sustainable growth. Under the program, DAP-CSF conducts assessment, visioning, and roadmap development workshops anchored on established Smart City indicators based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designed to institutionalize innovation at the local level, LIPAD PH provides a structured, data-driven framework that enables cities to benchmark performance, align strategies with global standards, and craft actionable roadmaps toward long-term resilience and competitiveness.
Both parties engaged in a substantive exchange on possible areas of cooperation, including capacity development programs, innovation initiatives, strategic planning support, and other interventions that advance good governance and public sector excellence.
The courtesy visit signals a shared commitment between DAP and the City Government of Baguio to pursue transformative solutions that elevate local public service delivery, strengthen institutional resilience, and position Baguio as a future-ready city.
As DAP continues to work closely with national and local government units across the country, it remains steadfast in its mission to build the capabilities of public institutions and leaders in pursuit of responsive, innovative, and sustainable governance.