The Development Academy of the Philippines, in partnership with the Institute of Federalism-University of Fribourg, conducted a five-day study mission on federalism in Switzerland, which was participated in by selected members of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) and representatives from the Office of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the House of Representatives-Congressional Budget and Research Department.

The study mission aimed to increase the participants’ knowledge and deepen their understanding of the federal system of government, its implication to the subnational level, and the actual practice and learning from federal states.  A mix of lectures, including introduction to federalism, fiscal federalism, and relations between confederation and cantons, as well as visits to offices of the Cantonal Police, Tourism, and Agriculture were provided for the participants to better understand the complementary roles of the national-level government and the subnational-level government under a federal system.

Pimentel expressed his gratitude to the DAP and to the Institute of Federalism-University of Fribourg for this learning opportunity and mentioned his desire to have such effort replicated in the Philippines.

On behalf of the delegates, LVGP National President Antonio Albano also thanked the Academy and the Swiss institute for organizing the five-day study mission as it, he said, fostered better understanding and appreciation of federalism, specifically at the local level.