Philippines
Metro Manila
Gov't scholars urged to be 'honorable, effective, trustworthy'
Gov't scholars urged to be 'honorable, effective, trustworthy'
TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite — Saying that it is a critical time for public servants, with trust in institutions fragile and citizens closely watching not only government promises but actual delivery, the head of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) urged government scholars to become living proof that public service can be honorable, effective, and trustworthy.
The opening ceremony was led by Sebastian, Acting Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena L. Mendoza, Center for Career Executive Service Development Acting Vice President Sheryl D. Reyes, Junior Executive Development Office Director Myda A. Nieves, and Advocacy and Admission Office Director Reina Carmelita F. Young.
Also present were Office of the President - Presidential Management Staff Usec. Ferdinand B. Cui Jr., who serves as the Philippine Governance and Administrative System module Faculty-In-Charge, and MMC Batch 14 alumna, Commission on Population and Development - Region IX Director Leticia Dolores II C. Abao, who was the opening ceremony’s inspirational speaker.
In his welcome remarks, Sebastian emphasized embracing teamwork while knowing when to depart from the team when principles are at stake.
“From my experience, 'yung team-thinking kung minsan, kung wala kang paninindigan, 'yung pagti-teamwork teamwork na 'yan, 'yan ang nagiging source nang marami sa ating nagiging kalokohan sa gobyerno (From my experience, team thinking, when it is not grounded in principle, can sometimes become the source of many of the wrongdoings we see in government),” Sebastian said.
“Tingnan niyo yung nangyari sa flood control. Teamwork 'yun (Just look at what happened with the flood control projects. That was teamwork, too).”
Sebastian acknowledged that standing firm on one’s principles is not without personal cost, noting that integrity often invites criticism and resistance.
“Maraming maiinggit sa inyo kapag naninindigan kayo. Maraming magagalit sa inyo kapag naninindigan kayo… Basta tama ang paninindigan, you will survive (Many people will envy you when you stand by your principles. Many will also be angered by it. But as long as your stand is right, you will survive). As I have survived a lot of those things,” he shared.
“We will equip you. But whether you want to be honorable, effective, and trustworthy will be your decision.”
New scholars welcomed through tradition and camaraderie
The opening ceremony featured the Rite of Inclusion, a symbolic tradition in which scholars mounted their respective agency logos on a ceremonial board, signifying their commitment to the program and dedication to public service.
Before the formal ceremony, the incoming batch of scholars was welcomed by the succeeding batch, MMC Batch 36 – Sindaw, through a getting-to-know-you activity aimed at building connection and camaraderie.
To date, the DAP has graduated 1,592 participants nationwide.