The Wise (Phronetic) Leadership Class Batch 7 officially commences, with Faculty-in-Charge Professor Hideki Kawada leading the scholars as they embark on a transformative PMDP journey focused on leadership principles and governance.
New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) warmly welcomed the seventh batch of the Wise (Phronetic) Leadership Class (WLC) under the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) on March 3, 2025.
The program is designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of senior government officials with this year’s WLC focused on Digital Transformation, aligning with the nation’s goals for digital transformation and public sector innovation. The scholars, comprising 16 Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, and two Regional Directors from 11 government agencies, will engage in a curriculum designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change in their respective fields.
The residential phase commenced with a comprehensive presentation by Nanette C. Caparros , Vice President for the Center for Career Executive Service Development, who provided an overview of DAP’s mission and the PMDP’s objectives. She also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and leadership development in the public sector.
Vice President Nanette C. Caparros sets the tone for the session, emphasizing the alignment of DAP’s mission with the goals of the PMDP, inspiring participants as the program kicks off.
Following this, Reina Carmelita F. Young, Director for the Advocacy and Admission Office, delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of Magdalena L. Mendoza, Senior Vice President for Programs and DAP Officer-in-Charge. Her address emphasized the critical role of digital transformation in achieving the Philippine Development Plan’s vision of a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” for all Filipinos. She also underscored the participants’ pivotal roles in driving these initiatives within their respective agencies.
Director Reina Carmelita F. Young delivers the welcome remarks, emphasizing the significance of digital transformation in public service.
The session then transitioned into an interactive segment where participants shared memorable moments to foster camaraderie and set expectations for the program, allowing them to connect on a personal level and enrich the collaborative spirit of the class.
Scholars actively engage in an interactive session, sharing personal commitments and setting mutual expectations to foster a collaborative learning environment.
Renowned leadership expert, Professor Hideki Kawada, Chief Executive Officer of Phronetic Co., Ltd., conducted knowledge exercises that challenged participants to think critically about leadership in the context of digital transformation. His session laid the groundwork for the program’s focus on practical wisdom and innovative public sector solutions.
Professor Hideki Kawada leads scholars through knowledge exercises, setting the tone for innovative thinking and leadership development.
Further, the scholars visite the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where they gained firsthand insights into the innovative digital transformation initiatives undertaken by these agencies, enriching their understanding of practical applications in public service.
Reflecting on the experience, Commissioner Alexander G. Flores from the Office of the President shared how the knowledge sharing allowed him to realize the connection between the respective responsibilities of his and his co-learners.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo V. Marquez of the DSWD emphasized that understanding the evolution and application of Wise (Phronetic) Leadership concepts, both locally and internationally, enables them to apply these learnings to their respective agencies. ”The theme of this batch is digital transformation, so it’s a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to achieve this vision of digitalizing the entire government,” he added.
Undersecretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan of the Department of Agrarian Reform underscored the importance of focusing on the management information system and the possible integration of AI in training. “It gave me an idea that we can actually look at AI without necessarily divulging too much on artificial intelligence platforms.”
The DAP remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the capabilities of public sector leaders, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern governance and deliver exceptional service to the Filipino people.
The WLC Batch 7 is scheduled to undertake an observational study visit to Tokyo, Japan, in April. This excursion aims to expose the scholars to global best practices in governance and digital innovation, further enriching their capacity to lead transformative initiatives within the Philippine public sector.
Watch: PMDP Bites – Wise (Phronetic) Leadership Class Batch 7