PASIG CITY – Select Vice Governors, Sanggunian Panlalawigan Secretaries and key legislative staff enhanced their capacity to transform community concerns into evidence-based and actionable policy proposals through the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Legislative Excellence and Development (LEAD) Program for the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP).
During the two-day online policy brief presentations held on 22–23 September 2026, the participants presented proposals addressing priority concerns in agriculture, health, peace and order, environment and disaster risk reduction, economic development, social services and youth development, education, infrastructure, and tourism. Their outputs demonstrated how local data, stakeholder realities, and national development priorities can inform responsive legislation.
The presentations also provided an opportunity for the participants to test and refine their policy recommendations based on the feedback from the panel of experts composed of Dr. Jalton G. Taguibao of the University of the Philippines, former City Councilor Mr. Ronald R. Barcena, and DAP’s Center for Governance, Director Gilbert E. Lumantao and Diana Isabel R. Rosapapan.
The policy briefs were developed through sessions on the policymaking process and the use of local data in assessing policy options. Led by Dr. Taguibao, the sessions guided participants in defining priority issues, examining their causes and effects, evaluating possible interventions, and translating their analysis into feasible legislative proposals.
The program likewise emphasized that sound policies must be anchored not only in evidence but also in integrity and public accountability. In the session Ethical and Accountable Leadership in Local Government last 17 September 2026, Civil Service Commission Assistant Commissioner for Legal Atty. Ariel G. Ronquillo discussed transparency, ethical decision-making, and safeguards against corruption that local legislators may integrate into their policy initiatives and governance practices.
Participants also gained practical guidance on accessing and using climate and disaster-related financing to strengthen community resilience. Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca of the Climate Change Commission discussed the People’s Survival Fund, while Raquel de Leon and Phoenicia Achaia S. Dela Merced of the Office of Civil Defense explained the National and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds.
These sessions concluded the month-long hybrid learning component of the LEAD Program. The program will formally culminate in November 2026 through an Integration Activity and Closing Ceremony.