The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance (CFG), officially launched Course 5 of the Local Government Executives and Managers Class (LGEMC) Batch 18-Hirang on October 20, 2025, via Zoom. Led by Local Governance and Development Office Director and Faculty-in-Charge for Batch 18 Jannis Montañez, the course marks another significant stride in strengthening innovation and leadership in local governance.
Some 39 scholars, including six local chief executives, joined the program, all committed to designing strategic and innovative solutions to address pressing challenges in their respective local government units.
In his inspirational message, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong commended the scholars for their dedication and perseverance.
“It requires a lot of hard work, research, and collaboration; and I truly admire our scholars for their perseverance. Our mayors and local leaders, despite their demanding workloads, still find time to pursue this kind of learning. That speaks volumes about their dedication to improving their knowledge, performance, and service to their people,” Mayor Magalong said.
Also present during the session were Lipa City Mayor Eric B. Africa, Maramag (Bukidnon) Mayor Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal, Cavinti (Laguna) Arrantlee R. Arroyo, and San Mateo (Rizal) Mayor Bartolome N. Rivera, Jr., who joined Mayor Magalong in expressing their support for the scholars and goals of the program. Mayor Magalong also extended his support to Engr. Charles Carame, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of Baguio City, one of the scholars from the city.
These local chief executives—or their designated representatives—will serve as Institutional Partners to the LGEMC scholars. As Institutional Partners, they will provide guidance and support as scholars develop the program’s final requirement —the Innovation Project Concept.
Through Course 5, LGEMC scholars embark on a transformative journey where governance meets innovation and leadership is rooted in genuine public service. Mayor Magalong left the scholars with a message of encouragement:
“Continue what you’ve started. Because transformation begins with people like you who choose to serve better.”
For more information about the PMDP-LGEMC, visit: https://pmdp.dap.edu.ph/local-government-executives-and-managers-class-lgemc/