The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), has concluded the upskilling phase of the Development of Public-Sector Productivity Specialist – Foundation Course (DPSPS-FC) last 18-22 March 2024 in Quezon City.

Thirty-five participants representing 10 public-sector organizations joined the training. Participating agencies include the DAP, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region I, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Energy, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the Department of Justice.

Over the course of five days, the participants were immersed in a series of learning sessions and workshops led by esteemed resource speakers. Topics ranged from understanding productivity concepts and measuring productivity in the public sector to diagnosing and analyzing productivity, and identifying productivity improvement solutions. DAP Resident Fellow Maria Rosario Ablan, Project Officer Philip Ryan Junginger, and Productivity Experts Elena A. Cruz and Niña Maria B. Estudillo provided insights and guidance.

A highlight of the program was a site visit to the Supply and Property Management Office (SPMO) of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Participants gained firsthand exposure to innovative approaches and best practices in productivity enhancement, particularly through the implementation of the Property Accountability Records and Disposal System (PARDS) Portal and the utilization of QR Code Mobile Scanner for inventory of property, plant, equipment (PPE), and semi-expandable properties.A highlight of the program was a site visit to the Supply and Property Management Office (SPMO) of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Participants gained firsthand exposure to innovative approaches and best practices in productivity enhancement, particularly through the implementation of the Property Accountability Records and Disposal System (PARDS) Portal and the utilization of QR Code Mobile Scanner for inventory of property, plant, equipment (PPE), and semi-expandable properties.

The culmination of the upskilling phase saw participants develop their productivity improvement plans (PIPs) based on their learnings and workshop outputs. This plan maps out the key activities of implementing a solution to a problem towards improving performance and efficiency in implementing programs and regulations.

From the upskilling phase, the participants will return to their agencies to prepare for the subsequent phases, such as pitching, implementation of the PIP, and a knowledge and experience-sharing session.

The DPSPS-FC is a comprehensive training program designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to enhance productivity within the public sector. The course covers essential aspects of public-sector management, efficiency improvement, and the application of productivity frameworks.

Twenty-four participants from seven national government agencies (NGAs) and state universities and Colleges (SUCs) joined the batch 3 of the 2024 Fastbreak Workshop Series: Designing Citizen-Centered Public Services held on 19-21 March 2024 at DAP, Pasig City.

Participating agencies include the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Commission on Higher Education—National Capital Region, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Marikina Polytechnic College, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Throughout the workshop, participants were assisted in understanding the core values and needs of their clients, laying a foundation for citizen-centered service design. They were equipped with tools on how to gather ideas for service delivery improvement such as Crazy 8s, Design Charrettes, SCAMPER, Affinity Diagram, and Storyboard, empowering them to ideate and develop innovative solutions to enhance their respective services. On the final day, they tested their solutions and made adjustments to their design prior to translating these into a plan.

The DAP, as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, will be accepting participants for the remaining sessions scheduled on 16 – 18 April 2024 and 23 – 25 April 2024. Nominating officers are encouraged to download the nomination form from the provided link and carefully review the accompanying guidelines before completing and submitting the document.

Download the nomination form here: https://productivitychallenge.dap.edu.ph/2024-fastbreak-workshop/

The 2024 Fastbreak: 100K Transaction Hours Reduced initiative is part of the Productivity Challenge Program, a multi-year project led by the DAP COE-PSP. This program aims to elevate awareness and enhance the productivity and innovation of public-sector organizations across the Philippines. It seeks to cultivate a culture of innovation and improve productivity, ultimately enhancing service delivery quality.

For more information on the Productivity Challenge, please visit https://productivitychallenge.dap.edu.ph/ or send an email inquiry to productivitychallenge@dap.edu.ph.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), hosted the second iteration of the 2024 Fastbreak Workshop Series: Designing Citizen-Centered Public Services from 12 to 14 March 2024 at DAP, Pasig City.

Twenty-two participants representing five public-sector organizations attended this workshop. These organizations include Isabela State University—Ilagan and Echague Campus, the Local Government of Rodriguez, Rizal, the National Privacy Commission, the National Youth Commission, and the Social Security System.

The workshop series holistically incorporates the tools and methodologies of design thinking, service design, and design sprint by analyzing citizen feedback and making the necessary changes to work processes, infrastructure, and channels to deliver value in public services. Participants will go through three phases: Upskilling, Pitching, and Pilot-testing, ensuring that their outputs commit to reducing service transaction hours and contribute to this year’s Productivity Challenge, the 2024 Fastbreak: 100K Transaction Hours Reduced.

There will be succeeding runs in April. Government agencies and offices can now nominate participants following the nomination guidelines. Email notifications will be sent to those accepted for the next runs.

The 2024 Fastbreak: 100K Transaction Hours Reduced initiative is part of the Productivity Challenge Program, a multi-year project led by the DAP COE-PSP. This program aims to elevate awareness and enhance the productivity and innovation of public-sector organizations across the Philippines. It seeks to cultivate a culture of innovation and improve productivity, ultimately enhancing service delivery quality.

For more information on the Productivity Challenge, please visit: https://productivitychallenge.dap.edu.ph/

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the Center for Excellence for Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), presented the proposed framework and methodology for measuring public-sector productivity to the Inter-Agency Committee on Good Governance (IAC-GG) 1st Quarter Meeting and Planning Workshop.

The meeting was held on 29 February 2024 at the Executive Lounge of the Department of Budget and Management Central Office, Manila. DAP Center for Governance Vice President Imelda C. Caluen led the presentation.  Members of the IAC-GG  welcomed this DAP-led initiative, recognizing its potential to provide invaluable insights into assessing government performance over time.

Key IAC-GG members attended the meeting, including the Anti-Red Tape Authority, Commission on Audit, Philippine Civil Service Commission, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Governance Commission for GOCCs, Office of the Ombudsman Philippines, Presidential Management Staff, and the National Economic and Development Authority.

The DAP is conducting case studies on productivity measurement with two national government agencies and ten local government units. These research projects are part of the Academy’s effort to provide a standardized framework and methodology for evaluating the productivity of Philippine government agencies in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

Government agencies and local government units interested to join in the pilot testing of this initiative may contact the COE-PSP Program Management Office at 8897-6296, or 631-0921 to 30 local 152 or through the email address cfg-coepsp-gse3@dap.edu.ph

Overview

The Conference on Public-Sector Productivity (CPSP) – Reimagining Public Service Delivery in the Digital Age was organized by the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity. This conference aims to present the current state and future direction of digital transformation in the Philippine public sector, discuss digital technologies and means in transforming government service delivery, share best practices in designing digital services using citizen experience, and identify facilitating and hindering factors affecting digital transformation in the public sector, as well as potential solutions.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: 

Shaping the Digital Transformation of the Philippine Public Sector: Past, Present, and Future

David Almirol Jr.
Undersecretary for e-Government,
Department of Information and Communications Technology

This keynote presentation underscores the ongoing need for adaptability and innovation in the public sector and the digital challenges and opportunities that it faces. It explores the key developments in the digital transformation efforts in the Philippine public sector, discusses factors that shape the government’s roadmap, and highlights strategies for managing cybersecurity risks in the digital age.

RESOURCE PRESENTATION 1:

Designing e-Government Platforms and Portals for Better Citizen Interaction and Experience

Dr. Myung Jae Moon
Underwood Distinguished Professor
Underwood Distinguished Professor,
Yonsei University
Republic of Korea

The session highlights the use of AI and machine learning in designing and building inclusive, collaborative, and interoperable digital ecosystems for user-friendly and personalized interfaces.

RESOURCE PRESENTATION 2:

How Blockchain Technology Can Revolutionize Government Services in the Philippines

Atty. Nathan Marasigan
General Counsel – Yield Guild Games and Partner at M Law Philippines

The session explores the power of blockchain technology in optimizing data management, revolutionizing record-keeping, and enhancing citizen access towards secure, transparent, and efficient transactions with government services.

CASE PRESENTATION 1:

Zero Bureaucracy on eGovernance and Breaking Barriers on Data Silos

Alexander K. Ramos
Undersecretary, 
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center

This presentation shows how reducing bureaucratic barriers to data exchange made the government more efficient and connected and how it can contribute to a future where public service delivery is smooth and suited to each citizen’s needs, from breaking down silos to fostering collaboration.

Case Presentation 2:

AI Customer Experience

Curtis Matlock
Chief Executive Officer,
PROTO

This presentation discusses how certain Philippine government agencies used artificial intelligence (AI) to fulfill their digitization goals and promote openness, fairness, and accountability in public service delivery.

CASE PRESENTATION 3:

Tetrix Network – Tamper-Proof ID using Blockchain Technology

Engr. Emman Navalan
Chief Executive Officer,
Tetrix Network

This presentation shares how blockchain technology can revolutionize data management record-keeping and enhance citizens’ access to government services.

CASE PRESENTATION 4:

BSP at its PRIME: Advancing Innovation and Governance in a Data-Driven Economy

Noel Guinto
Director, 
Department of Supervisory Analytics
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

This presentation examines how strategic data governance safeguards citizen privacy, ensures data security, and fosters a culture of responsible data handling within government organizations.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), officially kicked off the 2024 Fastbreak Workshop Series: Designing Citizen-Centered Public Services on 27-29 February 2024 at Ortigas Center, Pasig City. A total

A total of 42 participants representing 12 public-sector organizations joined this workshop. These organizations include Aklan State University, Bohol Island State University, City Government of Navotas, City Government of Tabaco, Albay, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Employees’ Compensation Commission, Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-specialty Medical Center, Ifugao State University, Parole and Probation Administration, Sultan Kudarat State University, and Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

The workshop series holistically incorporates the tools and methodologies of design thinking, service design, and design sprint by analyzing citizen feedback and making the necessary changes to work processes, infrastructure, and channels to deliver value in public services. Participants will go through three phases: Upskilling, Pitching, and Pilot-testing, ensuring that their outputs commit to reducing service transaction hours and contribute to this year’s Productivity Challenge, the 2024 Fastbreak: 100K Transaction Hours Reduced.

There will be succeeding runs of the workshop series in March and April. Government agencies and offices can now nominate their participants. Email notifications will be sent to those accepted for the next runs.

The 2024 Fastbreak: 100K Transaction Hours Reduced initiative is part of the Productivity Challenge Program, a multi-year project led by the DAP COE-PSP. This program aims to elevate awareness and enhance the productivity and innovation of public-sector organizations (PSOs) across the Philippines. It seeks to cultivate a culture of innovation and improve productivity, ultimately enhancing service delivery quality.

For more information on the Productivity Challenge, please visit: https://productivitychallenge.dap.edu.ph/

Pasig, Philippines, February 29 – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) marked a significant milestone in international collaboration as it welcomed a distinguished delegation from Mongolia on February 19, 2024. This historic meeting between the DAP, recognized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, and Mongolia’s National Productivity Organization (MPO) initiated bilateral cooperation on Public-Sector Excellence and Performance Evaluation, which aims to promote mutual learning and the exchange of best practices among APO members.

Led by DAP President and CEO AND Majah-Leah V. Ravago, APO Alternate Director for the Philippines, the gathering included representatives from Mongolia’s MPO and Authority of Government Supervisory. Notable attendees were: MPO Deputy Director Batbileg Tsagaan; Chief Officer and Head Researcher Anar Bayarsaikhan (Authority of Government Supervisory); Senior Legal Adviser Ariunkhur Choijilsuren (Authority of Government Supervisory); and Chief/Journalist Sukhbaatar Dagvasuren (Mongolian National Broadcaster).

Dr. Ravago highlighted the importance of this cooperation, stating, “This collaboration between NPOs serves as a vital platform for mutual learning, knowledge transfer, and collaboration. Over the next four days, we will engage in the exchange of best practices, successes, and challenges.” She expressed optimism that the partnership between the Philippines and Mongolia would pave the way for advancing public sector productivity across the Asia-Pacific region.

Accompanying Dr. Ravago were DAP officials Magdalena Mendoza, senior vice president for programs, and Armand Tristan Suratos, APO liaison officer for the Philippines. The visit commenced with a comprehensive tour of the DAP Pasig building, providing delegates insights into its history, architecture, and operational functions.

Beyond the DAP, the Mongolian delegation’s itinerary included visits to key Philippine government agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority, Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Labor and Employment from February 20-21. This exposure aimed to facilitate exchanges of high-level officials of Mongolia and the Philippines for mutual learning and sharing of experiences and best practices in public-sector excellence and performance evaluation.

The four-day engagement concluded with a final discussion on long-term collaboration between DAP, MPO, and the Mongolian Authority of Government Supervisory on February 22, 2024, at the DAP Pasig building. Before departing the Philippines, delegates also visited the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City, further enhancing ties and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

This initiative underscores the commitment of both the Philippines and Mongolia to enhancing public-sector productivity and performance evaluation, setting a precedent for collaborative excellence in the region.

Citizen innovation in the public sector is crucial for enhancing productivity and efficiency while promoting trust and transparency in the public sector.

In his online presentation for the Asian Productivity Organization’s Productivity Talk: Public-Sector Productivity through Citizen Innovations on 13 February 2024, Dr. Emre Cinar, Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth in the UK, emphasized the significance of citizen engagement in driving innovative solutions to social challenges. By harnessing citizens’ collective participation, governments can tap into a wealth of ideas and resources to improve public services.

Case studies from various countries, including the United States, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore, demonstrate the tangible benefits of citizen innovation. Platforms like crowd-granting websites, participative budgeting initiatives, and online forums enable citizens to contribute ideas and feedback, leading to more responsive and inclusive governance.

Citizen innovation enhances public trust in institutions, empowers marginalized groups like women, and promotes transparency in decision-making processes. However, despite its potential, there’s a need to accelerate the adoption of citizen innovation practices across different sectors and regions.

Dr. Cinar presented a framework for innovation transfer and adoption to facilitate the implementation of citizen-driven solutions. This involves understanding the local context, identifying relevant innovations, evaluating their transferability, engaging local stakeholders, and ensuring cultural adaptation and ethical considerations. Collaboration between public sector organizations and policy transfer mechanisms is crucial for scaling up successful initiatives.

With its strong community values and high technology adoption rates, the Asia-Pacific region presents unique opportunities for accelerating citizen innovation in the public sector. Grassroots-level innovations driven by community spirit and supported by advanced technologies can address resource constraints and improve citizen engagement and productivity.

Sharing successful innovations enhances the reputation and credibility of governments and opens opportunities for collaborations, funding, and scaling. By disseminating best practices and promoting a culture of innovation, governments can meet the evolving needs of citizens and drive sustainable development in the digital age.

In conclusion, Dr Cinar said that governments need more innovations, and citizen innovation, which has been gaining popularity in several economies, can help solve resource problems and improve citizens’ trust and satisfaction in the public sector.

Watch the Productivity Talk here.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for CES Development (CCD), hosted the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) LeadCon 2024 on February 1 and 2, drawing 389 alumni at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City. The two-day event was bannered by fellowship and knowledge-building activities focused on digitalization and human-centric approaches, driving a unified vision for public service enhancement.

Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, represented by Asec. Niño Raymond Alvina, kickstarted proceedings with a call for streamlined digital efforts across agencies, emphasizing unified policy direction to expedite public service delivery. The event featured the unveiling of digitalized capstone projects and a ceremonial graduation for virtual PMDP batches, who navigated challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noteworthy alumni were recognized for outstanding performance and adherence to public service standards, with recipients of “Tatag” and “Dangal” awards celebrated for impactful contributions. Additionally, numerous alumni achieving third-level positions received the “Galing” award, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering professional growth.

The second day saw 11 distinguished speakers from local and international government arena delving into pertinent topics under the theme. Director Kiyoung Ko of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) led discussions on human-centric digitalization, followed by panels on Digital Governance Journeys in Asia, and parallel sessions exploring specialized digitalization topics.

Closing remarks by Usec. David Almirol, Jr. of the Department of Information and Communications Technology emphasized the imperative of embracing digitalization for improved public services, echoing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision. Almirol outlined ongoing eGovernment projects, prioritizing Tourism, Health, and Commerce sectors.

This article was originally published on the DAP website. https://dap.edu.ph/dap-recognizes-exemplary-alumni-pmdp-leadcon-2024-advocates-human-centric-digitalization/

February 8, 2024, Pasig City – The Development Academy of the Philippines proudly inaugurates Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago as its tenth president and chief executive officer.

The oath-taking ceremony, held earlier today, saw the esteemed presence of key figures, including the DAP Board of Trustees Chairperson National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, and members Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Undersecretary Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan, Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Nino Alvina, and Alternate BoT Representative Atty. Jether K. Corpuz. Alongside them were DAP officers and DAP’s outgoing president, Atty. Engelbert C. Caronan, Jr., MNSA.

This article was originally published on the DAP website. https://dap.edu.ph/dr-majah-leah-v-ravago-assumes-presidency-at-development-academy-of-the-philippines