Quezon City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), in partnership with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), conducted the APO-Development of Public-Sector Productivity Specialists (APO-DPSPS) training program from November 4 to 15, 2024, at the Novotel Manila. This program aimed to enhance public-sector productivity by equipping participants with essential concepts, tools, techniques, and strategies for organizational improvement. It also sought to deepen their understanding of their roles in supporting reforms and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The training brought together 33 participants from 10 APO member economies, engaging them in 12 interactive sessions that covered a broad range of topics critical to public-sector productivity. These included the role of the public sector in productivity enhancement, e-government, regulatory reform, change management, citizen-centered services, public-sector leadership, tools for improving or organizational productivity, performance management, productivity measurement, and the application of foresight in public administration. Participants were also guided in developing productivity improvement plans tailored to real-world scenarios.
As part of the program, participants undertook site visits to gain firsthand insights into the management practices and productivity strategies of public-sector organizations. These included visits to the City Government of Valenzuela, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority at the Cavite Economic Zone, and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions during these visits provided valuable learning opportunities. The participants showcased these insights in a final presentation, highlighting success stories, challenges, and results from recent reforms and initiatives.
Resource persons included Dr. John Antony Xavier, adjunct professor at Perdana University, Malaysia; Dr. Myung Jae Moon, underwood distinguished professor at Yonsei University, Republic of Korea; Magdalena L. Mendoza, senior vice president for programs at DAP; and Arnel Abanto, vice president of the DAP Productivity and Development Center.
In her remarks, DAP President and CEO Majah-Leah V. Ravago commended the participants for their dedication and hard work. She expressed hope that they would continue to support one another and drive meaningful change within their respective organizations. “I encourage you to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovations within your organizations,” she urged.
