Surrounded by DAP officials, the CCD team, and their predecessors – SEC Batch 13, the eighteen Senior Executives Class (SEC) Batch 14 scholars commence their PMDP journey.
Tagaytay City, Philippines – The Development Academy of the Philippines inducted 18 high-ranking officials from 15 government agencies across the country into the newest cohort of the Senior Executives Class (SEC) of the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) during an opening ceremony held at the DAP Conference Center on February 17, 2025. The scholars come from diverse backgrounds and locations nationwide, from Ilocos Norte to South Cotabato, including those from first-time participating agencies, namely the Office for Transportation Security and UP Baguio. The event was also attended by Senior DAP officials and PMDP alumni.
DAP Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza officially launches SEC Batch 14’s transformative journey through her welcome address, calling upon them to fully embrace the journey as they join the ranks of the nation’s most accomplished civil professionals.
DAP Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza welcomed the newest scholars to the esteemed PMDP network, which now encompasses 1,700 high-performing public managers and senior executives across 256 agencies nationwide. She highlighted the significance of their onboarding following the historic One DAP Graduation ceremony, which was attended by His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the Guest of Honor, reinforcing DAP’s prestigious legacy and the government’s enduring trust in programs like PMDP as foundational pillars of the Philippine bureaucracy. SVP Mendoza encouraged the SEC Batch 14 to reignite their passion for public service, rekindle the flame of innovation, and refine their leadership vision.
The scholars were introduced to the driving forces behind the PMDP: first, DAP’s distinguished faculty, presented by DAP Center for CES Development Vice President Nanette C. Caparros. Then, Senior Executive Development Office Director Sheryl D. Reyes’ introduced the PMDP team. This presentation featured a depth of expertise and comprehensive support system for the scholars.
Scholars promise to serve and learn as they participate in the symbolic Rite of Inclusion.
The ceremony featured the Rite of Inclusion, with scholars mounting agency logos symbolizing their pledge to the PMDP and reaffirmation to serve the public and respective organizations.
Following PMDP tradition, SEC Batch 13 Class President Rustico Noli D. Cruz delivered enlightening words and urged the scholars to embrace the program’s transformative impact on their leadership journey. This sentiment was echoed by SEC Batch 14 Class Representative Gerald M. Tan from the Overseas Welfare Administration, who pledged to cultivate inclusive, compassionate, and responsive public service in fostering camaraderie and connection among the scholars.
A symbolic ‘passing of the torch’ by the SEC 13 President Cruz and SEC 14 Class Representative Tan was exchanged through their challenge and acceptance speeches.
The evening’s inspirational speaker, SEC Batch 11 – GaBayAni alumna and National Economic and Development Authority – Region VII Regional Director Jennifer C. Bretaña, CESO III, imparted valuable lessons drawn from her PMDP experience.
Regional Director Jennifer C. Bretaña deliberately shares her PMDP SEC journey with meaning inspirations and stories from her co-GaBayAnis of SEC Batch 14.
Her PMDP journey exemplifies the Program’s potential to develop leaders who prioritize public accountability and poverty reduction. Regional Director Bretaña shared the importance of goodwill, continuous learning, purpose, and hard work, and challenged the scholars to “remember the needs of the most vulnerable and to champion their cause.” She added, “PMDP is not just about competence, but about discovering your deepest sense of passion and purpose to improve the lives of Filipinos.”
More than just a leadership program, the PMDP fosters a community of passionate individuals committed to serving their fellow Filipinos. This opening ceremony ignited their spark to drive meaningful change and equipping them to become the trailblazers who will illuminate the path to a better future for the Philippines.