The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), hosted the Centers of Excellence (COE) Forum from April 9 to 11, 2025, in Parañaque City. Centered on the theme “Strengthening Platforms for Enhancing Productivity,” the three-day forum brought together COE leaders, policymakers, and international experts to exchange insights, share best practices, and showcase innovations in excellence management to advance productivity across the region.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary and APO Director for the Philippines, Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, and APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata delivered the opening remarks. Richard Clarke, President of Avenidor Consults in Canada, shared global productivity trends and performance strategies for COEs.
Key sessions included a presentation on global COE developments, a roundtable discussion among COE heads, and site visits to the DAP as COE on Public-Sector Productivity and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
The forum aimed to promote cross-country collaboration, enhance performance assessment strategies, and shape the strategic direction of COEs across the region. Participating COEs included:
- COE on IT for Industry 4.0 – National Productivity Council, India
- COE on Green Productivity – China Productivity Center, Republic of China
- COE on Smart Manufacturing – China Productivity Center, Republic of China
- COE on Climate-Smart Agriculture – National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Japan
- COE on Public-Sector Productivity – Development Academy of the Philippines
- Japan Productivity Center
- Virtual University of Pakistan
- National Productivity Organization, Pakistan
- Commission for Standards, Metrology, and Quality of Vietnam (STAMEQ)
In her closing remarks, DAP Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sustaining excellence as a shared responsibility among Centers of Excellence. She thanked APO, partners, and organizers for contributing to the forum’s success. She highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to advancing productivity and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region. OIC Mendoza concluded by encouraging continued partnerships and affirmed that DAP will always be a home for future collaboration.
The event reaffirmed DAP’s strong commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among Centers of Excellence, with the shared goal of improving productivity and strengthening performance assessment strategies in various sectors throughout Asia.
