March 31, 2025—In a groundbreaking initiative to promote ethical leadership in local governance, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through the Public Management Development Program – Local Government Executives and Managers Class (PMDP- LGEMC), introduced special sessions on Anti-Graft and Corruption and Integrity Management for Batch 16 “Sanliyab.”

This marks the first time such sessions have been integrated into the LGEMC curriculum, signaling a bold step toward mainstreaming integrity and accountability in the leadership journey of local executives.

Held as part of the LGEMC Course on Local Fiscal Administration and Management, the sessions emphasized not only the importance of sound fiscal practices but also the central role of transparency and ethical governance in enabling meaningful and sustainable development. Scholars deepened their understanding of budgeting, local finance, and their responsibilities as stewards of public resources.

Guided by distinguished speakers— Faculty-in-Charge Engr. Jose Arnold M. Tan, former Deputy Executive Director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF), and Mr. Gilbert E. Lumantao, Director of DAP’s Policy Research Office—the scholars were challenged to lead with integrity and pursue reforms that address systemic corruption.

“The fight against corruption requires continuous effort, strong political will, and a culture of integrity at all levels of government,” emphasized Engr. Tan.

By pioneering these sessions, Batch 16 has set a benchmark for future LGEMC cohorts and reaffirmed DAP’s commitment to shaping principled and future-ready local leaders.

For more information on the PMDP LGEMC Program, please visit: https://pmdp.dap.edu.ph/local-government-executives-and-managers-class-lgemc/