Effective leadership is the cornerstone of good governance—especially at the local level, where public service directly touches communities. This principle is at the heart of the Local Government Executives and Managers Class (LGEMC) of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), a specialized capacity-building program designed for Local Chief Executives and department heads who are on the front lines of governance.
More than a leadership course, LGEMC equips local government leaders with practical knowledge and tools to plan, implement, and manage programs more effectively. The program emphasizes strategic planning, sound resource utilization, and evidence-based decision-making—critical competencies in addressing today’s increasingly complex governance challenges. Through a structured and rigorous learning process, participants, known as scholars, develop the confidence to make informed decisions, lead teams, and pursue meaningful reforms within their respective local government units (LGUs).
What sets LGEMC apart is its strong focus on innovation anchored in local realities. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the program guides scholars in designing context-responsive strategies that address the unique needs, challenges, and development priorities of their communities. This approach ensures that ideas generated in the classroom translate into tangible and sustainable improvements on the ground.
Built specifically for the Philippine local government setting, LGEMC enables leaders to confront real and pressing issues while learning alongside peers from across the country. The exchange of experiences fosters collaboration, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation of diverse local contexts—strengthening the collective capacity of LGUs nationwide.
Admission into the program is highly selective. Applicants undergo a comprehensive screening process that includes document evaluation, cognitive assessments, and interviews to determine readiness, commitment, and capacity to apply learning within their LGUs. This rigorous selection ensures that LGEMC scholars are well-positioned to complete the course and maximize its impact.
Among the LGEMC graduates of 2025 is Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao. A civil engineer by profession, Mayor Dumlao recognized the need to further strengthen his leadership and governance competencies to optimize the use of the city’s resources. Following his participation in LGEMC, he is proposing the implementation of Project Lig-ON, rooted in the Surigaonon concept of lig-on, meaning “strength.” The initiative seeks to mobilize communities toward safety, sustainability, and long-term self-reliance through an integrated, systems-based approach that combines climate-resilient housing, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory governance.
Another LGEMC 2025 graduate is Muksin III H. Ibrahim, Administrative Officer of the Municipality of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, who described his LGEMC experience as transformative. He shared that the program challenged him intellectually, emotionally, and professionally, as he balanced regular LGU duties with online classes, group work, and academic requirements. As his proposed reform initiative, Ibrahim developed Project ALPAS, a community-rooted mental health program anchored on three pillars: Tanggap (acceptance), Tanglaw (guidance), and Hiraya (vision). ALPAS integrates safe-space creation, mental health governance, referral systems, and sectoral partnerships into a unified and responsive strategy.
Through LGEMC, the Development Academy of the Philippines continues to champion good local governance by developing strategic, innovative, and adaptive leaders who can translate vision into action and deliver lasting benefits to the communities they serve.