The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance-Policy Research Office (CFG-PRO), conducted the year’s first Legislative Training Course on “Professionalism, Ethics, and Integrity in the Public Sector” as part of the Emerging Leaders Track of the Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program.  The event took place on April 15-18, 2024 at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City. 

This course aimed to enhance the integration of professionalism, ethics, and integrity into the daily practices and decision-making process of legislative staff. DAP Director Gilbert Lumantao, along with notable speakers such as Atty. Ruth Eunice Mina-Diamante, division chief of the Civil Service Commission-Office of Legal Affairs,  and Dr. Maria Vida Caparas, director of the Senate Human Resources Management, led discussions on integrity management,  ethical standards in the public sector, and workplace professionalism, focusing specifically on the  Philippine Congress.  

Additional experts included Atty. Sylvia Severo-Paraiso, graft investigation officer, Office of the Ombudsman, Josephine Manalo, director, Commission on Audit-Information Technology Office, Lorna Israel, faculty associate, Women and Gender Institute, and Atty.  Ma. Victoria A. Castillon, House of Representatives-Committee Affairs Department who provided comprehensive insights into relevant policies, rules, and guidelines, specifically on Anti-Corruption Laws in the Philippines, Financial Stewardship and Accountability, Gender-Sensitivity in the Workplace, as well as Transparency and Accountability in Public Service.

Meanwhile, at the course’s conclusion, DAP Project Officer Joebert Sayson facilitated an integration workshop. This session was designed to help scholars consolidate their learning and explore possible applications within their workplace.

For the final output, the scholars were required to draft reflection papers. These papers articulated their understanding of key topics such as professionalism, ethics, and integrity,  outlined plans for applying their new knowledge in their roles, and reflected on the course’s impact on their personal and professional growth. 

The Emerging Leaders Track of the CBILLS program is tailored to enhance the capabilities of the Congress’ secretariat and technical staff who demonstrate leadership potential.  Upcoming activities for these scholars include two Legislative Training Courses on Excel for Data Management and Policy Analysis, one lecture, and a conference scheduled in the coming months.   (Christopher Brian Caiga)