Category: News

The third virtual session of Productivity Insights, conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines-Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, showcased the transformative impact of the 5S workplace organization methodology on performance management within the Micro, Small, and Medium Size Enterprises Promotion Agency (MSMEPA) in Lao PDR. The 5S methodology comprises seiri (sort), seiton (set in order), seiso (shine), seiketsu (standardize), and shitsuke (sustain).

Held on June 13, 2024, the session had over 300 participants from various national and local government agencies and state universities. Dr. Malaykham Philaphone, director of the Technical Assistance Management Division at the MSME Promotion Fund under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, served as the resource person.

Dr. Philaphone discussed the challenges MSMEPA faced in the application process and grant approval timeline, including limited capacity and delays in receiving assistance. These issues prompted a collaborative approach among MSME-promoting organizations, government sectors, and business associations to find solutions.

She explained that, in addition to conducting training and capacity building, MSMEPA implemented the 5S methodology to streamline processes. This involved sorting and simplifying regulations, removing unnecessary documents, organizing through electronic services, enhancing transparency, standardizing practices, and implementing training programs. Beyond adopting 5S, the division used stakeholder feedback to refine processes further.

Dr. Philaphone emphasized the establishment of standard operating procedures and training programs to ensure consistency and efficiency in evaluating and approving grants. Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were also put in place to track the effectiveness of these reforms. She noted that the 5S methodology led to significant improvements, including a notable increase in application volume and a reduction in processing times, thereby providing MSMEs with quicker access to technical assistance funding and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, Dr. Philaphone highlighted the importance of understanding stakeholders, using data-driven approaches, recognizing knowledge gaps, and managing change in MSME support initiatives. She also addressed the need to manage transition issues and overcome resistance to change.

Productivity Insights is a series of sessions that share best practices from local participants and APO-member economies to enhance innovation and productivity in the public sector.

This article was originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/third-productivity-insights-showcases-5s-transformative-impact-on-lao-pdrs-msmepa/

The  second session of Productivity Insights, held virtually on June 6, 2024, focused on Indonesia’s digital transformation in  civil servant management. Hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines as the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, the event drew over 200 participants from various national and local government agencies, as well as state universities. 

Dr. Samsul Hidayat, acting director for Civil Service Performance at the National Civil Service Agency in Indonesia, discussed the country’s efforts to integrate technology to address challenges within its civil service sector, which includes 630 local governments with diverse systems and obstacles. He emphasized the need for digital transformation to enhance governance and service delivery, and stressed the importance of shifting both both personal and organizational mindsets to adapt to the digital era.

Dr. Hidayat detailed significant improvements resulting from digital transformation, such as paperless processes, digital signatures, online tracking of service progres, and simplifying bureaucratic procedures.  These advancements have led to faster service delivery, increased transparency and efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Despite these gains, Dr. Hidayat acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in system integration among local governments, and emphasized the need for continuous improvement in technology and the capacity of civil servants to utilize these systems effectively. 

To support this, Dr. Hidayat highlighted ongoing collaboration with other ministries, especially  in health and education, to further enhance service delivery. The focus is on sustaining and expanding digital initiatives to drive productivity improvements and better serve the Indonesian population in the next five years.

Productivity Insights is a series of knowledge and experience-sharing sessions that showcase best practices from local participants and APO-member economies to boost innovation and productivity in the public sector.

This article was originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/2nd-productivity-insights-session-highlights-indonesias-digital-transformation-in-civil-service/

The first Productivity Insights session, held online on 30 May 2024, highlighted the productivity initiatives of Thailand’s Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). 

More than 100 participants from various organizations, including government agencies, local government units, and state universities, attended the session.

Kasamaporn Mahawangsawat, director of the Corporate Assessment Department at the BAAC, delivered a presentation providing an overview of the agricultural cooperative, which is dedicated to providing financial services to Thai farmers and is committed to sustainable rural development. With 1,019 branches and five million mobile app users, the BAAC is a pillar in Thailand’s agricultural landscape. Mahawangsawat also emphasized how knowledge management can drive productivity initiatives in the public sector.

The BAAC’s knowledge management framework, centered on the Community of Practice (CoP), drives knowledge exchange, skill development, and innovation within the organization. Mahawangsawat discussed BAAC’s structured approach to CoP, including knowledge identification, sharing of best practices, innovation capture, and efficient knowledge utilization. She showcased creative solutions like Non-Performing Loan (NPL) management systems and mobile applications, which have resulted in significant productivity gains, shortened processing times, and cost savings.

Additionally, she presented BAAC’s successful change management techniques, such as organizational reorganization, communication, and ongoing monitoring, which improved performance and efficiency as the organization transitioned from manual to automated processes.

The example of BAAC illustrated the significance of cooperation, creativity, and flexibility in handling the complexities of modern governance. Attendees gained a better understanding of the critical role that CoP plays in promoting organizational excellence in the public sector. They also obtained valuable insights from BAAC’s success story, which they can apply to their organizations.

Hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines, the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity, the Productivity Insights is a series of knowledge and experience-sharing sessions aimed at demonstrating how public sector organizations translate their learnings into productivity initiatives.

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/first-productivity-insights-session-showcases-productivity-initiatives-of-thailands-baac-through-knowledge-management/

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Mongolia Productivity Organization (MPO) have formalized a partnership to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange. The signing  ceremony took place on May 29, 2024, during the 66th Session of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This partnership, marked by a signing of a memorandum of understanding stemmed from bilateral cooperation between the National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) of the Philippines and Mongolia in February. The collaboration, hosted by the DAP as the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations for mutual benefit. The focus will be on introducing a public-sector performance excellence framework and learning from best practices.

The event was attended by notable representatives, including: Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, APO Secretary-General; Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary and APO Director for the Philippines; Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, DAP President and CEO and APO Alternate Director for the Philippines; Mr. Armand Tristan R. Suratos, APO Liaison Officer for the Philippines; Erkhembayar Yamaaranz, APO Director for Mongolia; and Batbileg Tsagaan, MPO Deputy Director.

This MOU aims to encourage active communication, the sharing of best practices, and mutual learning between both organizations. This sustained partnership is expected to significantly impact the productivity landscapes of both the Philippines and Mongolia, driving sustainable development and improving the quality of governance.

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-mongolia-productivity-organization-forge-partnership-to-boost-collaboration-and-knowledge-exchange/

Pasig City, May 2024 – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, hosted a groundbreaking webinar series, “Nudging to Create Change in the Public Sector,”  on May 6-7, 2024. This event attracted over 700 participants from various government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, academic institutions, and other sectors.

The two-day webinar aimed to deepen the public sector’s understanding of productivity improvements and explore the practical application of Nudge Theory in change management. On the first day, Jefferson A. Arapoc, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, delivered an engaging introduction to nudging. He illustrated its impact on shaping behavior and fostering a productive work environment through real-life case studies and practical applications in policymaking, marketing, and choice architecture. Arapoc emphasized the significance of empathy, communication, and empowerment in driving successful behavior change initiatives.

The second day delved into the critical topic of the application and role of nudging in change management within the public sector, featured insights from Benjamin Radoc, a Behavioral Economist and Principal Researcher at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Research Academy. Radoc discussed bounded rationality and alternative methods for influencing behavior, highlighting the necessity of testing nudges and addressing ethical considerations. He also shared strategies for improving productivity through nudging, such as establishing norms, utilizing comparisons, simplifying decision-making processes, promoting ethical behavior, and ensuring knowledge retention.

This webinar series marks a significant step forward in redefining change management within public sector organizations. By bringing together experts in Nudge Theory and its applications, the DAP empowers individuals and change managers to implement meaningful transformations for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

Stay tuned for more exciting webinars from DAP this year. For further details, follow our updates on https://www.facebook.com/dap.edu.ph

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-hosts-webinar-series-highlighting-the-importance-of-nudging-in-the-public-sector/

Quezon City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines, serving as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization, hosted the Workshop on Needs Assessment of APO Members in Public-Sector Productivity  (PSP) on May 13 to 17, 2024, at Novotel Manila.

The event brought together 29 participants from 14 APO-member economies— Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, and Vietnam. The objective was to reassess and identify the evolving needs of and challenges of APO members in PSP.

In his welcome address, Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority and APO director for the Philippines, emphasized the importance of addressing public sector needs amidst rapid technological advancements. He encouraged participants to cultivate an efficient, effective, agile, and forward-thinking public sector.

The workshop commenced with presentations focusing on the current landscape of the public sector in the Asia-Pacific region and the Philippines’ journey as a Center of Excellence on PSP. Subsequent sessions delved into strategies for advancing public-sector productivity, including reforms aimed at bureaucratic efficiency. 

Throughout the program, participants engaged in group workshops and presentations to identify country-specific recommendations and strategies. Case presentations from South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia offered global perspectives and best practices in public-sector productivity.

Pasig City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization of the Asian Productivity Organization Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), conducted the final batch of the 2024 Fastbreak Workshop Series: Designing Citizen-Centered Public Services on May 21 to 23, 2024. 

The event was participated by representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman, Civil Service Commission, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Bicol Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, City Government of Pasig, City Government of Biñan, Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, La Union, and Local Government Unit of San Miguel, Bulacan.

The workshop served as a platform for innovative thinking and collaboration, where participants delved into various strategies designed to ignite their creativity and problem-solving skills to address identified challenge statements, ultimately enhancing their public service delivery.

The DAP continues to advance public sector productivity through the Productivity Challenge Program, seeking to foster a culture of innovation and efficiency within the public sector.

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

This article was originally published on the DAP website. https://dap.edu.ph/dap-runs-the-last-leg-of-2024-fastbreak-workshop-series/

In a bid to revolutionize public service delivery, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization of the the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), recently hosted the fifth batch of its 2024 Fastbreak Workshop Series: Designing Citizen-Centered Public Services. The event took place from April 23 to 25, 2024, at the DAP Building in Pasig City.

Drawing 30 participants from key government agencies including the Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Dr. Jose N Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, Technological University of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System, and the Local Government Unit of Macalelon, Quezon, the workshop served as a hub for innovative thinking and collaboration.

During the intensive sessions, participants were equipped with an arsenal of tools and techniques including Crazy 8s, Design Charettes, the SCAMPER technique, Affinity Diagrams, and storyboarding. These resources aimed to sharpen their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think outside the box, empowering them to ideate and develop groundbreaking solutions for enhancing public services.

The workshop series forms a vital component of the Productivity Challenge Program led by the DAP COE-PSP. This program is designed to cultivate a culture of innovation, increase efficiency, and elevate the quality of public service delivery by fostering consciousness, productivity, and imaginative thinking within public sector organizations.

Through initiatives like the Fastbreak Workshop Series, DAP continues to drive forward-thinking approaches to address the evolving needs of citizens and propel public sector productivity to new heights.

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

This article was originally published on the DAP website.  https://dap.edu.ph/daps-2024-fastbreak-workshop-series-ignites-innovation-for-citizen-centered-public-services/

Pasig City, Philippines, April 19, 2024 â€“ The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), recognized as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP), ran the fourth batch of the 2024 Fastbreak Workshop Series: “Designing Citizen-Centered Public Services” from April 16 to 18, 2024 at the DAP Building in Pasig City.

The intensive workshop convened 23 participants who were equipped with tools and techniques essential for ideating and developing innovative solutions tailored to enhance public services. Among the methodologies used were Crazy 8s, collaborative Design Charrettes, the inventive SCAMPER technique, strategic Affinity Diagrams, and compelling Storyboards.

The participants hailed from six government agencies and state universities and colleges including the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Siniloan Water District, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Eastern Samar State University, and Negros Oriental State University.

The 2024 Fastbreak: 100K Transaction Hours Reduced initiative stands as a beacon within the Productivity Challenge Program. Spearheaded by the DAP COE-PSP, this multi-year project is designed to raise awareness and enhance the productivity and innovation of public-sector organizations nationwide. Moreover, it aims to foster a culture of innovation and improve productivity, ultimately elevating the quality of service delivery.

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

This article was originally published on the DAP website.https://dap.edu.ph/dap-runs-fourth-2024-fastbreak-workshop-series/

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.