The Development Academy of the Philippines, through the Center for Governance-Policy Research Office, officially opened the Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) program for CY 2022 through a virtual ceremony and webinar last April 28.

DAP President and CEO Atty. Engelbert Caronan, Jr., welcomed the 143 learners of the CBILLS program from various offices of the Philippine Congress while Vice President and CFG Managing Director Imelda Caluen gave an overview of the program highlighting the three components, namely, e-Learning Module, International Learning Course, and Thursday Talks Webinar Series. For this year’s program run, she also mentioned the use of “Linang,” DAP’s learning management system.

Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Secretary Atty. Arnel Jose Bañas of the Administration and Financial Services and House of Representatives Deputy Secretary General Ramon Ricardo Roque of the Administrative Department introduced the CBILLS learners for the program’s fifth year of implementation.

Senate Secretary Atty. Myra Marie Villarica, who graced the event, encouraged the learners to make the most out of the learning opportunity and reminded them to never get tired of pursuing knowledge and new skills to remain effective and efficient in their jobs. Executive Director Corazon Alano of the Office of the Secretary General, House of Representatives relayed Hon. Mark Llandro Mendoza’s message to the participants: “…learnings must be felt at the operational level of the Philippine Congress, which should result in effective assistance to the legislators.”

The Development Academy of the Philippines, through the Center for Governance-Policy Research Office, officially opened the Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) program for CY 2022 through a virtual ceremony and webinar last April 28.

DAP President and CEO Atty. Engelbert Caronan, Jr., welcomed the 143 learners of the CBILLS program from various offices of the Philippine Congress while Vice President and CFG Managing Director Imelda Caluen gave an overview of the program highlighting the three components, namely, e-Learning Module, International Learning Course, and Thursday Talks Webinar Series. For this year’s program run, she also mentioned the use of “Linang,” DAP’s learning management system.

Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Secretary Atty. Arnel Jose Bañas of the Administration and Financial Services and House of Representatives Deputy Secretary General Ramon Ricardo Roque of the Administrative Department introduced the CBILLS learners for the program’s fifth year of implementation.

Senate Secretary Atty. Myra Marie Villarica, who graced the event, encouraged the learners to make the most out of the learning opportunity and reminded them to never get tired of pursuing knowledge and new skills to remain effective and efficient in their jobs. Executive Director Corazon Alano of the Office of the Secretary General, House of Representatives relayed Hon. Mark Llandro Mendoza’s message to the participants: “…learnings must be felt at the operational level of the Philippine Congress, which should result in effective assistance to the legislators.”

The first installment of the CBILLS Thursday Talks Webinar Series titled “Taking Stock: Assessing our Progress Towards Ambisyon 2040” commenced after the opening ceremonies.

The webinar featured as resource speakers National Economic and Development Authority Assistant Secretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, University of the Philippines Professor Maria Ela Atienza, Action for Economic Reforms Co-Founder and Coordinator Filomeno Sta. Ana III, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon.

Assistant Secretary Abad Santos discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippine Development Plan.  The PDP lays down the foundations for the country to achieve inclusive growth, a high-trust society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy in order to keep the long-term vision of what the Filipino middle-class life looks like as reflected in AmBisyon Natin 2040.  

The panel discussion highlighted the importance of institutions and good governance in economic recovery, including the threats and opportunities in the democratization process, and major roadblocks in the pandemic response. It also produced recommendations for a holistic recovery such as, strengthening the Universal Health Care, revisiting laws and government mandates , and allowing more engagement and partnership among the government, academe, private sector, and civil society.

The CBILLS is being implemented by DAP in partnership with the Philippine Congress. To date, the program has trained a total of 476 legislative officers and staff through the program’s 22 local courses, 20 lectures or webinars, and 12 international learning courses from 2018 to 2021.

Jeanena Mae E. Rafer

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