The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through the Center for Governance’s Local Governance and Development Office (CFG-LGDO), officially started its Talk Points webinar series on April 25, 2025, via Zoom. The first session titled “Small Towns: Smart Moves in Innovative Ways,” gathered 181 participants from 37 municipalities, 8 provinces, and 24 cities.
The webinar introduced forward-thinking and innovative strategies and approaches designed to help local government units (LGUs) maximize their available resources and improve governance and public service delivery. Select LGUs also shared smart initiatives being implemented in their localities.
Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR), led the first session which explored the answers to the question, “What’s in it to be smart?”
This was followed by a session on “Mapping the SMART LGU Journey” delivered by Armand Tristan R. Suratos, Officer-in-Charge of the DAP Center for Strategic Futures. He discussed the Smart City assessment process for LGUs and shared its key findings.
Representatives from Legazpi City (Albay), the Municipality of Del Carmen (Surigao del Norte) and Carmona City (Cavite) showcased their respective innovations that focused on inclusive access to technology. Their presentation underscored that collaboration among key sectors—government, academe, and industries—is an essential step for development.
Designed to equip LGUs with insights and tools to improve public service delivery, the webinar reaffirmed the DAP’s commitment to strengthening institutions through capacity building and knowledge sharing.
The second installment of the Talk Points webinar, titled “Mind Your Buwis-ness: Smart Systems to Revenue Collection and Generation in LGUs,” is scheduled on May 27. 2025. The session will explore innovative strategies in LGU tax collection and revenue generation.
Interested LGUs may register by contacting the CFG-LGDO via email at cfg-lgdo@dap.edu.ph.