The 39 scholars of Middle Managers Class Batch 35 proudly stand with MMC Batch 34, DAP officials, and PMDP team as they embark on their leadership journey under the prestigious program.
TAGAYTAY CITY – The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) officially welcomed 39 distinguished public service leaders as scholars of the Middle Managers Class (MMC) Batch 35 at an inspiring opening ceremony held on 20 January 2025, at the DAP Conference Center.
The event marked the start of a transformative journey through the Public Management Development Program (PMDP), DAP’s flagship initiative aimed at developing the next generation of visionary leaders for the public sector. Senior officials, faculty, and alumni of the PMDP joined the occasion, fostering a spirit of collaboration, hope, and commitment to nation-building.
DAP President and CEO Maja-Leah V. Ravago delivers an inspiring keynote address, urging the scholars to embrace their leadership journey with dedication and purpose.
In her keynote address, DAP President and CEO, emphasized the institution’s pivotal role in advancing governance and empowering public sector professionals’ agenda for over five decades. “Through the PMDP, we equip leaders with the mindset, skills, and knowledge to meet the evolving challenges of governance”, she stated.
She also highlighted a historic milestone for the Academy—the One DAP Graduation, which was then set to take place on 31 January 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City—a celebration uniting scholars across DAP programs under one banner.
She encouraged the scholars to embrace their transformative journey. “Your time in the program will challenge you to be agents of change—leaders who exemplify productivity, accountability, and inclusivity. Scholars of MMC Batch 35, welcome to the DAP-PMDP family! Together, let us pave the way for a public service that is not only future-ready but also genuinely people-centered.”
The ceremony featured an introduction of DAP’s esteemed faculty and PMDP team led by DAP Senior Vice President for Programs, Magdalena L. Mendoza, Vice President Nanette C. Caparros, and Junior Executive Development Office Director Myda A. Nieves. These introductions underscored the robust expertise and unwavering support system available to the scholars.
Scholars partake in the Rite of Inclusion, symbolizing their commitment to public service and lifelong learning.
A special highlight was the Rite of Inclusion, a symbolic tradition where scholars proudly mounted their respective agency logos on a ceremonial board, pledging their commitment to the program and reaffirming their dedication to public service.
The MMC Batch 35 scholars represent 25 government agencies from diverse geographical and institutional backgrounds, with participants hailing from regions as far north as Tugegarao City, Cagayan, and as far south as Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Notably, their cohort marks a milestone with the inclusion of scholars from two first-time participating agencies, the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council and Marikina Polytechnic College.
MMC 34 Representative Mariano and MMC 35 Representative Conde exchanged challenge and commitment speeches to symbolize the passing of leadership and shared dedication to public service.
Inspiring words were shared by Ralph Camelo E. Mariano, Class President of MMC Batch 34, who urged the scholars to embrace the Program’s transformative impact on their leadership journey. Similarly, Class Representative Jerrex L. Condo of MMC Batch 35, delivered a heartfelt pledge to form inclusive, compassionate, and responsive public service.
OIC-Assistant Regional Director Lovella C. Libertad shares her PMDP journey, leaving scholars with key lessons in leadership and perseverance.
The evening’s inspirational speaker, OIC-Assistant Regional Director Lovella C. Libertad, CESE, of the Parole and Probation Administration – Region VIII and alumna of MMC Batch 11 – Bagwis, imparted valuable lessons drawn from her PMDP experience.
Drawing from her own PMDP journey, OIC-ARD Libertad shared four key values that have shaped her career: building goodwill, continuous learning, finding purpose, and embracing hard work. She reminded the scholars, “Everything you will ever achieve from PMDP will require hard work. Success is sweet when you’ve worked hard for it.”
As the evening concluded, the 39 scholars of MMC Batch 35 embarked on a path of learning, collaboration, and transformation, supported by the DAP-PMDP team, faculty, and their fellow scholars. This cohort stands poised to make a significant impact on their respective agencies and contribute to building a better Philippines.