Pasig City, Philippines-March 26, 2024 – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) was honored to host His Excellency Ilan Simon Fluss, the esteemed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to the Philippines, at its Pasig office on March 26.

DAP President and CEO, together with select officers, in discussion with His Excellency Ilan Simon Fluss

DAP President and CEO, Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago, warmly welcomed Ambassador Fluss, leading a productive discussion alongside DAP officers including Dean Lizan Perante-Calina (Graduate School of Public and Development Management or GSPDM), Vice President Nanette Caparros (Center for Career Executive Service Development), and Program Director Peter Dan Baon, Asian Productivity Organization Center of Excellence on Public Sector Productivity.

The focal point of the meeting revolved around Israel’s renowned expertise in innovation, positioning the nation as a global leader in startups. Ambassador Fluss expressed a keen interest in fostering collaboration with DAP, exploring avenues where Israeli experts could enrich the institution’s educational offerings and knowledge dissemination efforts.

Discussions extended beyond innovation, delving into potential collaborative ventures to support the DAP’s mission of catalyzing development activities. Notably, past graduates of the GSPDM’s Certificate Course in Leadership, Innovation, Communication, and Knowledge Management had the privilege of engaging with Israel’s government innovation initiatives through MASHAV, the Agency for International Development Cooperation of Israel, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation endeavors.

This momentous meeting marks a significant stride towards fortifying bilateral relations between Israel and the Philippines, leveraging shared expertise and resources for mutual benefit. The DAP eagerly anticipates further collaboration with the Embassy of Israel to drive innovation and development initiatives forward.

(From left to right) DAP Vice President Nanette Caparros; His Excellency Ilan Simon Fluss; DAP President and CEO, Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago; DAP-GSPDM Dean Lizan Perante-Calina; and DAP-APO-COEPSP Program Director Peter Dan Baon