On September 6, 2024, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP)-Public Management Development Program (PMDP) wrapped up the Senior Executives Class (SEC) Shuttle Course with the final module on Phronetic Leadership. Eight shuttle course participants attended this module with the on-going SEC Batch 13-Katig, marking the conclusion of a series designed to provide specialized training to public sector leaders, with a focus on enhancing their strategic management and leadership capabilities. The SEC Shuttle Course was part of a broader curriculum for SEC.
This year’s Shuttle Course featured three of the seven modules from the SEC curriculum: Innovation and Strategic Management, Evidence-Based Policy Making, and Phronetic Leadership. Each module was designed to address crucial aspects of public sector management and leadership. The final module, Phronetic Leadership, aimed to deepen the scholars’ understanding of practical wisdom and knowledge-based leadership, preparing them to address real-world challenges in their respective agencies.
Cheryl L. Eusala, Executive Director III of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute, reflected on her experience with the SEC Shuttle Course, emphasizing its profound impact. “It’s really a humbling experience being part of SEC 13, connecting with them, and getting to know the different agencies. I really appreciate the methodology that DAP uses. It’s a combination of theoretical and practical applications that we can use in our respective offices or agencies. There are a lot of strategies and methods that we can apply directly to our work,” Eusala said. She praised the DAP’s approach for blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including live cases from various agencies. This hands-on experience has equipped scholars with actionable insights to craft effective direction statements for their organizations.
Scholars showcase their learnings from the socialization activity at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), presenting through creative performances.
The Phronetic Leadership module culminated with the scholars presenting their learnings from a dynamic socialization activity at the DSWD. Their creative presentations included plays, shows, and musical performances, showcasing their application of wisdom-oriented decision-making. This activity allowed them to apply the concepts of phronetic leadership—wisdom-oriented decision-making—in practical scenarios.
Naila Z. Dimaraw, Bangsamoro Treasurer from the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management, highlighted how this module extended her understanding of leadership beyond the office. “One key lesson I gained from participating in the shuttle course is that the work of a leader extends beyond the office. It is important that we are aware of what is happening outside the office, especially concerning the marginalized sector,” Dimaraw noted. She connected this lesson to her work, mentioning their office’s outreach efforts to orphanages in the Bangsamoro Region and their visit to Bahay Pag-asa and Bahay Tuluyan in Dasmariñas, Cavite during the course.
For Emerson L. Bergonio, Professor V at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, the emphasis on data-driven strategies was particularly valuable. “All the learnings are very important. Having this kind of training is worthwhile and productive. The emphasis on data-driven strategy is particularly valuable in our case—being in an academic institution, where we focus on instruction, research, and development. It’s essential that everything we do, from crafting policies and planning to developing strategies, is evidence-based or grounded in data,” Bergonio explained. He appreciated how the course’s insights could be applied to both academic and administrative operations, enhancing their ability to develop effective strategies and policies.
Senior Vice President Magdalena L. Mendoza and Prof. Hideki Kawada acknowledge the scholars’ exceptional presentations, highlighting the success of the Phronetic Leadership module in applying wisdom-oriented decision-making.
The final highlight of the module was the integration of Prof. Hideki Kawada, the esteemed Faculty-in-Charge of Phronetic Leadership. Alongside him, Senior Vice President Magdalena L. Mendoza expressed their deep satisfaction with the scholars’ innovative and insightful presentations. Their positive feedback underscored the effectiveness of the course and the high quality of the scholars’ work.
As the SEC Shuttle Course concluded, the scholars are now poised to apply their new knowledge and skills in their respective agencies. The Phronetic Leadership module, in particular, has prepared them to lead with practical wisdom and responsiveness, ensuring that they can effectively address the needs of their communities and organizations. The SEC 13 will continue their journey with the remaining activities in their curriculum, reinforcing their commitment to driving innovative policies and solutions in public service. The PMDP and DAP remain dedicated to nurturing leaders who can navigate the complexities of governance with stability and foresight.
