Pasig City, Philippines, December 1, 2025—The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance (CFG), officially launched the 4th Batch of the Local Fiscal and Managers class, bringing together local chief executives and finance leaders from 15 local government units (LGUs) nationwide.
Running until December 5, 2025, this installment of the course forms part of DAP’s Local Government Executives and Managers Class (LGEMC)—a flagship initiative designed to deepen the capacity of LGUs in fiscal governance, budgeting, and resource management. The program underscores the vital role of local fiscal administration in strengthening public service delivery and advancing local economic development.
In her welcome message, DAP-CFG Director Jannis T. Montañez emphasized that sound fiscal governance is foundational to sustainable development. She noted that financial management is more than compliance, but a cornerstone of responsive and accountable local governance.
The opening day featured sessions led by renowned experts in public finance:
- Engr. Jose Arnold M. Tan, Former Acting Deputy Executive Director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance, who oriented participants on ethical financial stewardship, fiscal processes, and the application of good governance principles in budgeting and resource mobilization.
- Atty. Ryan S. Lita, Director of the Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau of the DBM, who delivered an in-depth discussion on the LGU budgeting cycle—highlighting participatory, policy-based, and performance-informed budgeting, along with strategies for aligning plans, policies, and fiscal requirements.
The course also featured expert resource persons, including Ma. Pamela P. Quizon, Chancellor of Internal Revenue Institute of the Philippine Tax Academy; Lester John A. Villar, Associate Project Officer from the DAP; Atty. Dennis S. Santiago, Managing Director of Corporate Service Sector of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and John Aries S. Macaspac, Director of Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau of the Department of Budget and Management.
To complement the in-class sessions, participants will also conduct a site visit to the Quezon City Government, where they will gain firsthand insights into innovative fiscal administration practices and local financial management initiatives.
Through programs like this, DAP continues to empower LGUs with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to champion effective fiscal governance and deliver better services to communities nationwide.
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