The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) celebrated its 52nd Founding Anniversary on June 23, 2025, at the DAP Building in Pasig City, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to public service excellence under the theme “DAPat Magaling: Driving Change, Shaping the Future.”

This year’s celebration underscored the DAP’s enduring role in strengthening public sector capacity, fostering innovation, and enabling meaningful reforms across government institutions. A series of activities reflected DAP’s spirit of creativity, collaboration, and service.

Festivities began with the DAPtrepreneurs Tiangge, held on June 16-20, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of DAP employees. The formal anniversary celebration on June 23 featured a Thanksgiving Mass, Agape Feast, Anniversary Program, and Fellowship Night, which brought together the DAP community in a day of reflection, recognition, and camaraderie.

Gracing the Anniversary Program were Undersecretary Ronald Mendoza of the Department of Education and Assistant Secretary Vinci Beltran of the Department of Agrarian Reform, representing the DAP Board of Trustees.

The program was formally opened by DAP Officer-in-Charge, Senior Vice President Magdalena L. Mendoza, who reflected on the institution’s establishment on June 23, 1973, through Presidential Decree No. 205. She reaffirmed DAP’s reputation as the government’s think tank and highlighted its pivotal role in developing transformative leaders over the past five decades. OIC Mendoza also expressed sincere gratitude to DAP officers and staff for their enduring commitment to DAP’s mission.

DAP Board Chairperson, Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), delivered a recorded message lauding the DAP as a beacon of innovation and excellence in public service. He emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme in reflecting DAP’s culture of teamwork, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.

One of the program’s highlights was “DAPat Magaling: The Performance Showdown,” which featured the singing, dancing, and acting talents of DAP employees and officers. Nine teams participated in the spirited competition, with the joint group of Administrative Department and Office of the Senior Vice President for Services emerging as champion. The Center for Governance and Center for CES Development secured second and third place, respectively.

The one-day event culminated in a festive Fellowship Night, where DAP employees and officers danced and relaxed to the live music of the Philippine Army Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group Band.

Now in its 52nd year, the DAP remains resolute in its mission to drive change and shape a future anchored in inclusive development, effective governance, and a high-performing public sector.