The Center for CES Development (CCD) hosted the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) Leadership Conference 2024 on February 1 and 2, drawing 380 alumni at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City. The two-day event was characterized by fellowship and knowledge-building activities, centered around digitalization and human-centric approaches to enhance public service.
Day one commenced with a heartwarming “season of harvest” featuring a vibrant cultural performance by Sindaw Philippines courtesy of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Atty. Engelbert C. Caronan, Jr., the 9th President of the DAP, delivered the Welcome Remarks. Secretary Ralph Recto, represented by Asec. Niño Raymond Alvina from the Department of Finance, set the tone with a keynote speech, urging streamlined digital efforts across agencies.
(Left Photo) Digital innovation takes center stage as President Caronan and Asec. Niño Raymond Alvina unveil the capstone projects in a ribbon-cutting ceremony; (Right Photo) Government agencies highlight their cutting-edge digital services in action.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled 28 digitalized Capstone Projects of PMDP graduates, which was followed by Digital Services Demonstration, with active participation from five government agencies: the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Mr. Rolly G. VIllarin showcases his initiative with fellow alumni in the first parallel sessions.
A remarkable parallel session where selected PMDP Alumni presented their initiatives. Among these alumni were Glenn S. Degal, Jemima C. Barcimo, Dr. Mel-Hatra I. Arakama, Lorena Jasmin D. Lerio, Glenn D. Estrada, Rolly G. Villarin, Ma. Theresa B. Eva, and Jennielyn S. Mariano.
Beaming with pride alongside DAP’s esteemed officials, VP Caparros, President Caronan, and SVP Mendoza, and beloved class directors, our alumni graduands light up the ceremony with their smiles.
The afternoon of the first day saw a Ceremonial Graduation for PMDP virtual batches impacted by the pandemic, including MMC 20 – T’nalak, MMC 21 – Silhig, MMC 22 – Uhay, SSC1 – Optimus, SEC 8 – Awanggan, and SEC 9 – Punyagi, celebrating their resilience and excellence.
(Left Photo) Tatag Awardees proudly accept their honors alongside PMDP Alumni Club President Caronan, SVP Mendoza, and VP Caparros. (Right Photo) Alumni joyfully dance their way through the Bohemian Dream Fellowship Night.
Immediately following the ceremonial graduation was the 2nd PMDP Alumni Club Recognition Program. Outstanding alumni received “Dangal” and “Tatag” awards, while those achieving third-level positions were honored with the “Galing” award, showcasing the program’s dedication to professional growth. This led to the Alumni Fellowship Night, themed “Bohemian Dream,” a joyous occasion where alumni mingled, showcased their creativity through attire and dance, and indulged in delicious dishes. PMDP-AC President Judge Rose Borja oversaw raffle draws, spreading excitement and camaraderie.
Attendees in colorful activewear symbolize a collective dedication to well-being.
Day two began energetically with a lively Zumba exercise, setting a vibrant tone for the next activities. Attendees, representing various batches, donned their activewear, each group distinguished by designated color coding which symbolized a collective commitment to fostering a healthy and balanced approach to work and life for all participants.
Sindaw Philippines delivered a captivating performance called “Bagong Umaga”, followed by an awe-inspiring voice by soprano Ms. Myra Mae T. Meneses.
The main conference commenced with a captivating performance by Sindaw Philippines, which was followed by the stirring rendition of the National Anthem and Invocation led by internationally-acclaimed soprano Ms. Myra Mae T. Meneses. The day was dedicated to the conference proceedings, showcasing insights from 11 distinguished speakers representing both local and international government spheres.
(Left Photo) DAP Officials stand alongside international Resource Persons; (Right Photo) Dr. Tanatat Puttasuwan electrifies the audience with insights on Thailand’s digitalization journey.
Director Kiyoung Ko of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) initiated discussions on human-centric digitalization for the first plenary session. It was followed by panels and parallel sessions exploring specialized topics. The esteemed speakers included Dr. Chang Yong Son, Director of the National Radio Research Agency Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea; Khalilullah Mohammed Baharul Islam, Professor and Chair of the Center of Excellence in Public Policy and Government Indian Institute of Management (IIM), India; and Dr. Tanatat Puttasuwan, International Consultant and Digital Economy Development and Strategy Expert, and Managing Director, Tarapex International Co., Ltd.
Leading voices converge along with PMDP alumni to share expertise during the second parallel sessions.
Other distinguished speakers during the second parallel sessions were Dr. Ferdinand B. Pitagan, Director IV of the Information and Communications Technology Service from the Department of Education; Mr. U-Nichols A. Manalo, Director of the Field Operations Services from the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Ray Justin Ventura, Chief Health Program Officer Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service from the Department of Health; Mr. Gerardo E. Maula, Assistant Secretary and Concurrent Acting Director of the Information and Communications Technology Systems Service from the Department of Budget and Management; and Mr. Felicisimo D.C Pangilinan, Director III of the Planning Service from the Department of Transportation. Further, Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos of Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center discussed in a panel session the Cyber Security and Data Privacy standards.
(Left Photo) Tanghalang Bagong Sibol delivers a spellbinding blend of performance and dance. (Right Photo) Sindaw Philippines brings joy to life with their spirited dance, adorned in vivid props and costumes.
The day concluded with a collaborative cultural performance likewise sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), featuring Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild, Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, and the National Ballroom Dance Ensemble.
(Left Photo) Usec. David Almirol, Jr. underscores the pivotal role of digitalization in advancing public services; (Right Photo) SVP Mendoza concludes a transformative conference, emphasizing the role of each and everyone in the public service in achieving human-centricity in digitalization.
The closing keynote speech stressed the importance of digitalization for enhanced public services, echoing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision as delivered by Usec. David Almirol, Jr., of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Magdalena L. Mendoza, Senior Vice President for Programs, provided the final remarks, marking the end of a truly memorable and impactful conference, highlighting the significance of digitalization and human-centricity in advancing public service in the Philippines and beyond. Overall, PMDP LeadCon 2024 left a lasting impression, underscoring the significance of digitalization and human-centricity in advancing public service, amidst a backdrop of concerted efforts in the Philippines and the broader region. Affirmation is accorded to the hardworking CCD team for fully orchestrating the numerous activities of the conference.
The PMDP staff behind the conference, unite in their vision and dedication towards orchestrating the entire event.
