Pasay City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines, through its Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM) and in partnership with the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), successfully concluded the inaugural Certificate in Public Management (CPM) program on August 14, 2025.

In her opening remarks, GSPDM Dean Lizan Perante-Calina highlighted the long standing partnership between DAP and FSI, expressing gratitude for the collaboration and encouraging the 15 co-learners to carry forward their commitment to knowledge-sharing and innovation. 

FSI Director General, Atty. Francisco Noel Fernandez likewise underscored the importance of cascading knowledge gained to peers and institutions, reminding participants that “the learning should not stop with you.”

Representing the Department of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary for Administration Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega described the program as an investment in the future of foreign service. She urged the co-learners to serve with integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment as stewards of public trust in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The ceremony also featured reflections from Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies Foreign Affairs Research Specialist Jaecian Onoh Cesar, Office of European Affairs Principal Assistant and Foreign Service Officer IV John Dominic Chua, and Human Resources Management Office Principal Assistant and Foreign Service Officer IV Marikris De Guzman-Cruz. They expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, noting that  the program not only deepened their understanding of the Philippine administrative system but also helped them to grow as individuals–reminding them that “being a good diplomat is about who we are, not just what we do.”

CPM Faculty Member, Dr. Teodoro Lloydon Bautista, echoed the partnership between the two institutions in his closing remarks, emphasizing their shared mission to advance excellence in public management. 

The successful conclusion of the inaugural CPM-FSI program marks a milestone in the collaboration between DAP and FSI, reaffirming their commitment to shaping competent, ethical, and visionary public managers dedicated to service and nation-building.