DAP reinforces role of legislative staff in effective policy oversight

CBILLS MM Scholars pose for a group photo with Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy (seated, center)

Tagaytay City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program, conducted the last installment of the Legislative Training Course, titled “Effective Policy Oversight,” from July 13 to 17, 2026, at the DAP Conference Center. The course provided a comprehensive review of the policy process, deepening the scholars’ understanding of congressional oversight.

House of Representatives Deputy Executive Director Jannalenna Olladas led the review and contextualization of the policy process and major theories and frameworks in Philippine legislation, while University of the Philippines Professor Dr. Jalton Taguibao discussed the different tools and instruments used to identify and analyze gaps during policy formulation and implementation. 

Mr. Ronald Buccat from the House of Representatives during a group activity on defining policy and implementation.

Meanwhile, Department of Finance Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy highlighted the importance of relationship-building in effective policy implementation, stating that it is a complex process that requires continuous conversations among policymakers, implementers, and stakeholders. Caucus of Development Non-Government Organization Networks (CODE-NGO) Executive Director Atty. Doris Ramirez further underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement and discussed tools for conducting stakeholder analysis.

Scholars from the Senate of the Philippines brainstorm on their group’s final output during a workshop breakout session.

Apart from the discussions, the scholars drew additional points from lived experiences, successes, and challenges in localizing legislation shared by the representatives from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and City Health Offices of the City Government of Tagaytay during the sensing session.

A case study presentation on the implementation of Universal Health Care, led by then-Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Albert Domingo, also demonstrated the importance of effective oversight in achieving better outcomes. 

CBILLS MM Scholars pose for a group photo with Dr. Albert Domingo (bottom row, center)

The scholars engaged in workshop activities which allowed them to apply the insights they gained from the discussions to conduct and present an implementation gap analysis of their chosen topics.

The DAP recognizes policy oversight as a pivotal aspect of effective governance. Through its CBILLS Program, the DAP continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering the Philippine government with innovative leadership and technical capabilities through relevant learning interventions. – Ziona Gilia S. Castro