With the theme “Matino at Mahusay: Dalawampu’t Limang Taon ng Pampublikong Pamamahala at Pagpapaunlad,” the Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School of Public and Development Management’s Master in Public Management celebrated its silver jubilee on October 17, 2015 at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City.

Assisi Development Foundation Vice Chairperson Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee discussed the legacy of her mother, former President Corazon Aquino, in building institutions and empowering the citizenry during the  program that was also graced by Tricia Robredo, the second daughter of Camarines Sur Representative Leni Gerona-Robredo who represented her mother and read before the guests and employees her keynote address.

Ms. Aquino-Dee, in her speech, reiterated that her mother was not formally trained to lead the country but   accepted the challenge “with eyes wide open.”  On behalf of the Aquino family, Ms. Aquino-Dee received the   posthumous citation for her late mother.

Meanwhile, the younger Robredo read her mother’s message which focused on what it means to be a public servant.

“Collaborate with people, talk to the poor, and give them a voice,” Rep. Robredo said. The Bicol legislator also cited the need for cooperation among leaders and the citizens, as the government, she said, “is made up of you, of us, and the people.”

 DAP Senior Vice President for Support Operations Bernardo Dizon represented DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw Jr. who was out of the country on official business.  Dizon welcomed the guests and also read Kalaw’s message that focused on “integrity and excellence” as well as former President Cory Aquino’s role in strengthening the DAP.

Several clients and partners of the DAP-GSPDM were also recognized during the event for supporting and partnering with the institution in its various programs.  These partners include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Commission on Higher Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College, United States Agency for International Development, Philippine Postal Corporation, West Visayas State University,  Leyte Normal University,  Philippine Public Safety College, Louis Berger Group, AIM Policy Center, and Association of Medical Doctors of Asia Philippines.

Meanwhile, a book entitled “Compendium of Cases on Best Practices in State Universities and Colleges” was also launched during the event.  In addition, AFP Western Commander Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez also gave a lecture on the West Philippine Sea and its implications to national development and security. (G.Turano)

 

DAP recognizes late President Cory Aquino

“Dad himself had said that whoever succeeded Marcos was destined to have great difficulty because he or she had to untangle an authoritarian system that left our institutions in shambles…  Of course, never did he imagine that his own wife would inherit the mission impossible,” said Viel Aquino-Dee after reminiscing on what transpired during the Marcos regime that was succeeded by the administration of her mother, the late President Cory Aquino.

Ms. Aquino-Dee represented the Aquino family to receive the posthumous citation given by the DAP-GSPDM for the former President, who was credited with playing a great role in the establishment of the Master in Public Management (MPM) program in 1991.  This was after she granted P10 million to subsidize the program’s operation.  The MPM became the consolidation of the DAP’s training programs that now allows the institution to “grow with the clientele.”

“Lacking in experience in state governance, she convened Filipinos with the best minds and stoutest hearts to reframe our Constitution with democratic principles.  To run the government professionally, and to empower the citizens at the grassroots, the ratification of the Freedom Constitution paved the way for reinstituting checks and balances in the government by way of a one-term  presidency, a bicameral Congress, and an independent judiciary,” Aquino-Dee said as she shared stories on her mother’s early years as President.

Aquino-Dee concluded by emphasizing how the DAP-GSPDM’s anniversary theme, “Matino at Mahusay,” related to her mother’s never having used government funds when she took her children to trips, instead paying for their airfare and other expenses with her own money.

“Sa akin ang matinong pinuno ay alam na alam ang sa kanya at kung ano ang sa gobyerno,” said Aquino-Dee.(G.Turano)