TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, January 12, 2026 — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Public Management Development Program (PMDP), officially welcomed the 37th batch of the Middle Managers Class (MMC) during their Opening Ceremony held at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City.
More than a ceremonial gathering, the opening marked the start of a transformative journey for the new cohort, one that places integrity, accountability, and effective leadership at the heart of public service.
The 46 scholars of MMC Batch 37 represent 34 government agencies across 13 regions, showcasing both geographic and institutional diversity from San Fernando City, La Union, in the north to Koronadal City, South Cotabato, in the south.
Also in attendance was from the Office of the President – Presidential Management Staff, Undersecretary Ferdinand B. Cui Jr., who will serve as Faculty-in-Charge of the Philippine Governance and Administrative System module of the batch. The Faculty-in-Charge for the Peak Performers in the Public Sector module, Ma. Noralisa C. Bite was also present, during the ceremony.
In his remarks, DAP Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Leocadio S. Sebastian welcomed the scholars. He highlighted their crucial role in strengthening public institutions and translating national development goals into action. He emphasized that the PMDP equips middle managers with the skills, values, and innovative mindset needed to lead in an increasingly complex governance environment, particularly at a time when public trust in government remains fragile. Dr. Sebastian stressed that as front-line leaders bridging policy and implementation, the scholars are expected to demonstrate that public service can be honorable, effective, and trustworthy.
DAP Acting President and CEO Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian delivers his opening remarks at the MMC Batch 37 Opening Ceremony.
The program continued with the introduction of the faculty pool by Acting Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza, followed by a presentation of the PMDP team led by Acting Vice President Sheryl D. Reyes of the Center for Career Executive Service Development. The ceremony then featured the Rite of Inclusion, a symbolic PMDP tradition led by Junior Executive Development Office Director Myda A. Nieves, in which each scholar was formally introduced and placed their agency logo on the ceremonial board, signifying their commitment to the PMDP journey and dedication to public service.
New scholars proudly place their agency logos on stage, symbolizing their commitment, promise, and dedication to public service
Following the Rite of Inclusion, MMC Batch 36 – Sindaw representatives, Ms. Marife M. Lacaba and Ms. Angely L. Mercado, shared heartfelt testimonials, offering Batch 37 a glimpse into the program’s challenges, rigorous formation, and transformative experiences. Their reflections inspired the new scholars to embrace the PMDP with openness, resilience, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Ms. Angely L. Mercado (left) and Ms. Marife M. Lacaba (right) of MMC Batch 36 – Sindaw inspire Batch 37 with reflections on their PMDP journey
MMC Batch 36 – Sindaw Class President Jupiter E. Dawa delivered the Challenge for Excellence, candidly reflecting on his batch’s PMDP journey marked by humility, discipline, and collective growth. Recounting how the program challenged their confidence and stripped away rank and ego, Mr. Dawa emphasized that effective leadership begins with humility, openness to learning, and respect for discipline, values reinforced through PMDP’s rigorous standards and collaborative environment. He highlighted the importance of learning teams as sources of strength and reminded the incoming scholars that leadership is not about individual brilliance but about keeping the group united.
Responding on behalf of MMC Batch 37, Class Representative Franz Carmel B. Gamier of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel accepted the challenge, affirming the new batch’s readiness to be shaped by the PMDP experience. Ms. Gamier acknowledged the importance of humility, discipline, and openness to correction, noting that while scholars come from diverse agencies and roles, they share a commitment to transformative public service. She emphasized that Batch 37 does not claim perfection but pledges presence, mutual support, and perseverance—vowing to complete the program together and return to their agencies more grounded, disciplined, and dedicated to serving the Filipino people.
Batch 36 Class President Dawa (left) challenges the incoming scholars, with Batch 37 Representative Gamier (right) accepting on behalf of the new cohort
Following the exchange, Advocacy and Admission Office Director Reina Carmelita F. Young introduced the Inspirational Speaker, Commission on Population and Development–Region IX Regional Director Leticia Dolores II C. Abao, an alumna of MMC Batch 14 – Anluwage. In her message, RD Abao congratulated the scholars and emphasized that effective public leadership requires both skill and character, grounded in ethical, citizen-centered, and results-oriented service. She highlighted the role of middle managers as the bridge between policy and implementation, stressing that leadership should integrate systems to create lasting public value and encourage scholars to become accountable, innovative, and reflective public servants.
RD Abao delivers an inspirational message, urging Batch 37 scholars to lead with integrity, innovation, and public service
As Batch 37 embarks on this demanding journey of learning, reflection, and leadership development, they carry the dual responsibility of their positions and the hope for a public sector that is ethical, competent, and worthy of the Filipino people’s trust.
Applications for the Middle Managers Class Batch 38, starting 15 June 2026, will be accepted until 17 April 2026.
These programs are fully funded by the government. For more information, visit https://pmdp.dap.edu.ph or contact the PMDP admissions office at pmdp.admissions@dap.edu.ph, 0969-586-7046, or (02) 8631-0921, locals 125-127.
