San Jose de Buenavista, Antique—The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through the Center for Governance (CFG), successfully concluded the “Course on Evidence-Based Local Policy Formulation,” the final course under the Capability Building Program for the Province of Antique.
The four-day course gathered 43 vice mayors, Sangguniang Bayan officials, and legislative staff from across the province to strengthen their capacity to craft data-informed, inclusive, and anticipatory local policies. The course equipped participants with analytical tools and frameworks needed to address local development challenges and advance sustainable growth.
In her opening message, DAP CFG Director Jannis T. Montañez highlighted the importance of empowering local legislators to design policies rooted in evidence and grounded in community realities that promote good governance and more responsive public service.
Director Montañez also conveyed the message of Senator Loren Legarda, who underscored the value of accurate data and grassroots insights in policymaking:
“Pinakamainam na tagapaglikom ng impormasyon ang mga barangay at ating frontline
workers dahil sila ang nakakaalam ng totoong sitwasyon sa kanilang lugar. Ang
solusyon minsan alam na ng ating mga kababayan kaya dapat hindi palagpasin ang
konsultasyon. Consult farmers, MSMEs, women’s groups, teachers, health workers,
and barangay leaders so that policies reflect real community needs.”
The course featured sessions led by policy and governance experts, including Hon. Lord Arnel L. Ruanto, Mayor of Infanta Quezon; Arecio A. Vasing, Jr.; Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-Region VI; Ronald R. Barcena, Board Member of the Social Housing Finance Corporation; Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Chairperson of the Galing Pook Foundation; Jeffrey G. Conlu of the Philippine Statistics Authority – Antique; and CFG Director Montañez and Diana Isabel R. Rosapapan.
Through interactive workshops, participants developed policy briefs addressing priority issues in their respective LGUs using evidence-based and problem-solving approaches.
The course concluded with the awarding of certificates and special recognitions. In her closing message, Director Montañez reiterated the crucial role of data-driven policymaking in building smarter, more accountable, and future-ready local governance in Antique.
Held from November 18 to 21, 2025, the course forms part of DAP’s continuing efforts to support local governments in implementing smart, sustainable, and inclusive development initiatives. This follows earlier capacity-building programs on agriculture, MSME development and nutrition, each designed to help Antique’s LGUs advance their priority actions for inclusive and resilient growth.
