The LGEMC Batch 16 Sanliyab scholars with Galing Pook Foundation Mel Senen Sarmiento (first row, second from right), Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero (first row, left), DAP Officers, and Technical Staff
Some 33 managers from 19 municipalities, 11 cities, and two provinces recently completed their two-and-a-half-month training under Batch 16 “Sanliyab” of the Local Government Executives and Managers Class (LGEMC). The program culminated in an online presentation of their Innovation Project Concepts (IPCs) held via Zoom from April 29 to May 2, 2025.
Offered by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through the Center for Governance-Local Governance and Development Office (CFG-LGDO), the LGEMC equips local leaders with the tools to develop innovative and citizen-centric solutions.
Scholars participate in a workshop on ideating solutions at DAPCC, Tagaytay City.
The four-day revalida engaged a panel of experts consisting of a DAP program representative (who also served as Panel Chair), regional/assistant regional directors of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); local governance experts; and the scholars’ respective institutional partners. The panel provided feedback and recommendations on each IPC.
Majority of the proposed projects focus on enhancing public administration, while others addressed challenges in health, food and agribusiness, finance, manufacturing and trade, transportation and logistics, security and defense, and the blue economy and water sectors.
Project logical framework review with Director Jannis T. Montañez at DAPCC, Tagaytay City.
The IPCs were conceptualized during LGEMC Course 5 at the DAP Conference Center (DAPCC), Tagaytay City. During this course, scholars learned how to identify local challenges and design innovative, purpose-driven, and responsive solutions using design thinking principles. A key part of the process is the vetting session, where the scholars pitched their project ideas to a two-member panel.
Two vetting panels were formed: the first led by DAP-CFG Vice-President Imelda Caluen and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero; the second by LGDO Director Jannis T. Montañez and Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Senen Sarmiento.
Vice-President Imelda C. Caluen shares her feedback and recommendations during the scholars’ presentation of their project proposals at DAPCC, Tagaytay City.
Course 5 was led by its Faculty-in-Charge, Director Montañez, supported by CFG officers and staff, as well as Mr. Rey O. Macalindong, who served as resource persons and coaches throughout the process.
Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Senen Sarmiento (right) and Director Jannis T. Montañez (left) providing project recommendations during the vetting process at DAP Conference Center, Tagaytay City.
To date, LGEMC scholars have conceptualized a total of 366 innovation projects–many of which have already been launched or implemented in their respective localities, contributing to a more responsive governance.
For more information on the PMDP LGEMC Program, visit: https://pmdp.dap.edu.ph/local-government-executives-and-managers-class-lgemc/