Pasig, Philippines, February 19 – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), recognized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) as the Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity and the country’s National Productivity Organization (NPO),  took a significant step towards fostering international collaboration as it warmly welcomed a distinguished delegation from Mongolia on February 19, 2024. This historic meeting marked the initiation of a bilateral cooperation between National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) on Public-Sector Excellence and Performance Evaluation, with the aim of promoting mutual learning and the exchange of best practices among Asian Productivity Organization (APO) members.

Led by Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, DAP President and CEO, and APO Alternate Director for the Philippines, the gathering included esteemed representatives from Mongolia’s National Productivity Organization (MPO) and Authority of Government Supervisory. Notable among them were Ms. Batbileg Tsagaan, Deputy Director of MPO; Mr. Anar Bayarsaikhan, Chief Officer and Head Researcher of Authority of Government Supervisory; Ms. Munkhtsetseg Gongorjav, Chief Officer of Department Authority of Government Supervisory; and Sukhbaatar Dagvasuren, Chief/Journalist of Mongolian National Broadcaster.

In her address, Dr. Ravago emphasized the significance of this cooperation, stating, “This collaboration between NPOs serves as a vital platform for mutual learning, knowledge transfer, and collaboration. Over the next four days, we will engage in the exchange of best practices, successes, and challenges.” She expressed optimism that the partnership between the Philippines and Mongolia would illuminate the path for advancing public sector productivity across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Ravago was also joined by DAP Senior Vice President for Programs Ms. Magdalena Mendoza; APO Liaison Officer for the Philippines Mr. Armand Tristan Suratos; Productivity and Development Center Vice President Mr. Arnel Abanto; AO25 Secretariat Director Ma. Rosario Ablan; and Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity (COE-PSP) Program Manager Mr. Peter Dan Baon.

The visit included a comprehensive tour of the DAP Pasig building,  led by DAP Administrative Department Manager, Engr. Nelson Casalan. Delegates gained insights into the history, architecture, and operational functions of the facility, enriching their understanding of the host organization.

Beyond the DAP, the delegation’s itinerary includes visits to key Philippine government agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from February 20-21. This opportunity will provide firsthand exposure to the best practices in public sector service delivery within the Philippine context.

The four-day engagement will culminate in a final discussion on long-term collaboration between the DAP, MPO, and Mongolian Authority of Government Supervisory on February 22, 2024, at the DAP Pasig building. Before departing the Philippines, delegates will also visit the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City, further strengthening ties and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

This momentous initiative underscores the commitment of both the Philippines and Mongolia towards enhancing public sector efficiency and performance, setting a precedent for collaborative excellence in the region.