Quezon City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines, serving as the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization, hosted the Workshop on Needs Assessment of APO Members in Public-Sector Productivity (PSP) on May 13 to 17, 2024, at Novotel Manila.
The event brought together 29 participants from 14 APO-member economies— Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, and Vietnam. The objective was to reassess and identify the evolving needs of and challenges of APO members in PSP.
In his welcome address, Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority and APO director for the Philippines, emphasized the importance of addressing public sector needs amidst rapid technological advancements. He encouraged participants to cultivate an efficient, effective, agile, and forward-thinking public sector.
The workshop commenced with presentations focusing on the current landscape of the public sector in the Asia-Pacific region and the Philippines’ journey as a Center of Excellence on PSP. Subsequent sessions delved into strategies for advancing public-sector productivity, including reforms aimed at bureaucratic efficiency.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in group workshops and presentations to identify country-specific recommendations and strategies. Case presentations from South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia offered global perspectives and best practices in public-sector productivity.
The participants also presented their country papers detailing the current state, challenges, opportunities, and initiatives in PSP within their national contexts. These papers served as the foundation for discussions during the workshop, enabling collaborative brainstorming for solutions.
Site visits to top-performing government organizations and institutions in public service delivery in the Philippines were hosted by the Quezon City Local Government Unit and the Philippine Heart Center.
On the final day, participants refined their group outputs and presented their needs and recommendations. The workshop concluded with a synthesis of discussions.
In her closing remarks, DAP President and CEO Majah-Leah V. Ravago urged the participants to continue to collaborate, learn, and innovate to shape a public sector that is equipped to address any challenges.
The event was graced by key persons Prof. Dong Chul Shim from Korea University, Dr. Noore Alam Siddiquee from Nazarbayev University, Dr. John Antony Xavier from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, DAP Supervising Fellow and Director Maria Rosario A. Ablan and Director John Aries S. Macaspac from the Systems and Productivity Improvement Bureau of the Department of Budget and Management.
The workshop provided participants with valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance public-sector productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.