The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Public Management Development Program (PMDP), welcomed 40 new scholars to form the Middle Managers Class (MMC) Batch 34 on 11 July 2024. The opening ceremony took place at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City, setting the stage for a transformative journey in public management.
In her welcome remarks, DAP President and CEO Majah-Leah V. Ravago celebrated the commencement of the new batch, expressing her gratitude for their commitment to excellence, leadership, and the development of the country. “In today’s rapidly changing world, the role of middle managers is more critical than ever. You are the linchpins of our organizations, bridging the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. Your ability to lead, inspire, and innovate is crucial to our institution’s success,” she said.
DAP President Majah-Leah V. Ravago opens the MMC Batch 34 ceremony, highlighting the program’s role in empowering future leaders within government agencies.
Ravago urged the scholars to embrace the lessons they will learn and people they will meet, using this knowledge, these skills, and new perspectives to become future leaders who will lead with empathy and integrity and inspire positive change.
DAP Vice President of the Center for CES Development (CCD), Nanette C. Caparros, alongside CCD Senior Executive Development Office Director Sheryl D. Reyes, introduced the esteemed faculty and the dedicated PMDP team, respectively.
The introductions seamlessly flowed into the Rite of Inclusion, a symbolic ceremony where each new scholar stepped forward as their names were called by CCD Junior Executive Development Office Director Myda A. Nieves. With a sense of pride and anticipation, the scholars mounted their respective agency logos, marking their official induction into the program.
MMC Batch 34 stands together, representing 24 diverse government agencies across the Philippines. Their mounted agency logos mark their official induction into the PMDP program.
The MMC Batch 34 hails from 24 different government agencies across the Philippines, from as far north as Itbayat, Batanes to as far south as Koronadal City, South Cotabato. DAP-PMDP is also delighted to welcome, for the first time, scholars from the Philippine Space Agency, Camarines Norte State College, Southern Luzon State University, and Sultan Kudarat State University.
Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan, MMC Batch 33 – Balaghan Class President, posed the challenge of excellence to the incoming batch. He urged them to live by three key phrases in their journey: “Salamat,” “Patawad,” and “Pinapatawad kita” (thank you; I am sorry; I forgive you). Mangulabnan explained that these three phrases helped his batch overcome tough challenges and trials. He noted that saying “thank you” had a significant positive impact, boosting morale and strengthening their bond. Apologizing for mistakes, whether intentional or not, goes a long way, he added. Finally, saying “I forgive you” quickly resolves conflicts, fostering a harmonious environment.
MMC Batch 33 President Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan shares his class’s core values – expressing gratitude, taking responsibility, and practicing forgiveness – to inspire the incoming MMC Batch 34.
“MMC 34, as you start today, remember that each of you is not alone. Support each other, lean on each other, and celebrate milestones no matter how small they are,” Mangulabnan said. “From MMC 33, we all wish you success, growth, and unforgettable memories ahead.”
MMC Batch 34 Class Representative Christopher Michael D. Parilla accepted the challenge. He affirmed that they would put Mangulabnan’s wisdom into practice, committing to being thoughtful and sincere in saying “salamat, patawad, at pinapatawad kita” to one another. Parilla emphasized that appreciation, understanding, and humility are defining competencies of a true leader, and they will strive to embody these qualities throughout their journey.
MMC Batch 34 Representative Christopher Michael D. Parilla shakes hands with MMC Batch 33 President Mangulabnan, signifying their commitment to the PMDP program and the values of effective leadership.
The scholars then had the privilege of hearing from inspirational speaker Director Cherry Castro Berris, Civil Service Commission and alumna of MMC Batch 9 – Hiyas. She shared insights from her own PMDP journey, leaving them with a message: “Your journey will be daunting, as the modules are designed to test your limits. You will feel the push, because they will really pound you to learn, strip you to learn, and shake you to relearn. However, your journey will also be brimming with promises.”
Director Cherry Castro Berris, a PMDP alumna and inspirational speaker, addresses MMC Batch 34, sharing her experiences and imparting valuable advice for their leadership development journey.
Berris offered three pieces of advice for the scholars as they embark on their MMC journey. First, she urged them to embrace resilience. “Your journey will be challenging. There will be moments of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. These seasons of doubt will ultimately reveal your true character,” she said. Second, she emphasized the importance of harnessing the power of collaboration. Lastly, she encouraged them to stay curious, a trait that has proven invaluable to previous batches, including MMC Batch 33.
