TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, 9 February 2026 — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Public Management Development Program (PMDP), formally welcomed the 15th Batch of the Senior Executives Class (SEC) during its Opening Ceremony at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City.
Beyond marking the start of a new academic cycle, the ceremony signaled the beginning of a rigorous leadership formation journey—one anchored on integrity, accountability, and purposeful governance in public service.
SEC Batch fifteen (15) is composed of eighteen (18) scholars representing thirteen (13) government agencies across nine (9) regions, reflecting a broad spectrum of institutional perspectives and geographic reach from Luna, Apayao in Northern Luzon to Digos City, Davao del Sur in Mindanao.
In his welcome remarks, DAP Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Leocadio S. Sebastian underscored the scholars’ entry into a nationwide community of more than 1,900 PMDP alumni who are actively shaping reforms across government. He emphasized the relevance of the Program in advancing the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which highlights the need for capable, resilient, and responsive institutions. President Sebastian highlighted the Program’s focus on sharpening strategic judgment, strengthening values-based leadership, and harnessing technology and data to support the vision of Bagong Pilipinas. He reaffirmed DAP’s mandate to champion strategic, evidence-based, and people-centered reforms, and called on the scholars to lead with dangal, galing, at tatag in building a credible and future-ready public sector.
DAP Acting President and CEO Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian delivers his opening remarks at the SEC Batch 15 Opening Ceremony
The program proceeded with the introduction of the PMDP faculty pool by Acting Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza, followed by the presentation of the PMDP team led by Junior Executive Development Office Director Myda A. Nieves.
A highlight of the ceremony was the Rite of Inclusion, a longstanding PMDP tradition led by Acting Vice President Sheryl D. Reyes of the Center for Career Executive Service Development. During the rite, each scholar was formally introduced and affixed their agency logo onto the ceremonial board—symbolizing their commitment to the Program and their shared responsibility to public service.
SEC Batch 15 scholars proudly place their agency logos on stage, signifying their shared commitment and dedication to the Program
Representatives of SEC Batch 14 – Buklod-Tala, Mr. Santos Jose O. Dacanay III and Mr. Joselito G. Estember, followed with candid testimonials, offering Batch 15 insights into the Program’s demands, intensive formation, and transformative impact.
SEC Batch 14 representatives Mr. Joselito G. Estember (left) and Mr. Santos Jose O. Dacanay III (right) share candid testimonials on the Program’s rigor and impact.
Delivering the Challenge for Excellence, SEC Batch 14 Class President Julius L. Leaño, Jr. urged the new scholars to recognize their role not merely as program participants, but as stewards of a pivotal moment in the nation’s development. He emphasized that senior executives are entrusted with the people’s confidence and the responsibility to pursue meaningful reform. He challenged Batch 15 to engage the Program with discipline, collaboration, and accountability, stressing that senior leaders are called not to preserve the status quo but to disrupt it when policies, practices, and public outcomes fall short. Innovation in government, he noted, is not optional but a moral obligation, as inefficiency ultimately exacts its cost on the public.
Responding on behalf of SEC Batch 15, Mr. Jordan L. Valente expressed humility and resolve in accepting the challenge. He acknowledged the rigorous selection process that brought together senior officials recognized for their competence, creativity, and dedication to public service. He affirmed the Batch’s collective commitment to full participation in the Program, timely delivery of quality outputs, and mutual support throughout the journey. Emphasizing integrity and accountability, he declared their resolve to place the public at the center of policymaking and to serve as catalysts, exponents, and designers of change in pursuit of meaningful reform.
SEC Batch 14 Class President Julius L. Leaño, Jr. (left) delivering his challenge speech to the incoming batch, with SEC Batch 15 Representative Jordan L. Valente (right) accepting SEC 14’s challenge
The ceremony continued with the introduction of the Inspirational Speaker by Advocacy and Admission Office Director Reina Carmelita F. Young. The speaker, Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, Regional Director of the Department of Education–Region III and an alumnus of SEC Batch 5 – Dalisay, shared reflections on leadership grounded in discipline, rigor, and sustained execution rather than fleeting inspiration. Drawing from his PMDP journey, field experience, and policy work, he emphasized the importance of confronting governance challenges such as information asymmetry, institutional silos, and systemic inefficiencies, and transforming them into opportunities for reform. He highlighted the role of phronesis, or practical wisdom, in leadership, stressing that lasting reform begins with self-governance, ethical judgment, and accountability. He concluded by urging the scholars to commit to long-term, values-driven leadership that builds institutions and policies capable of enduring beyond individual tenures.
Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, DepEd Region III Regional Director and SEC Batch 5 alumnus, shares insights on disciplined, values-driven leadership and lasting public sector reform
As SEC Batch 15 embarks on this demanding journey of learning, reflection, and leadership development, the scholars carry both the responsibilities of their offices and the collective aspiration for a public sector that is ethical, competent, and worthy of the Filipino people’s trust.
Applications for the Middle Managers Class Batch 38, which begins on 15 June 2026, will be accepted until 17 April 2026.
The PMDP 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.
