BANGKOK, 23 OCTOBER 2024. The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) officially commenced the International Learning Course (ILC) component of the Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program with a courtesy meeting with Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes at the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok on 21 October 2024.

The 30-person delegation consisted of representatives from DAP, legislative supervisors from both houses of the Philippine Congress, and representatives from Chiang Mai University School of Public Policy (CMU-SPP), the CBILLS partner institution in Thailand.

The CBILLS program provides the Philippine legislative staff with opportunities to engage, exchange information, and learn about different approaches to public policy systems and legislative work in Thailand.

Atty. Marivic Laurel Garcia, the Deputy Secretary of the Legislative Department of the Philippine Senate and Head of Delegation, highlighted that the foreign study component of program aims to enhance the staff’ technical competencies and leadership skills by allowing them to gain new insights into best practices and comparative models related to governance and legislation from international partners and institutions.

Meanwhile, Ms. Imelda Caluen, Vice President of DAP, noted that the activities within the program are designed to help participants adopt a wider perspective on the skills and competencies required for legislative officers and staff, equipping them with tools to compare and recognize different approaches to legislative work and processes.

Ambassador Paredes praised the collaboration between DAP and CMU-SPP, underscoring the importance of this initiative as the Philippines and Thailand celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations this year. The Ambassador also expressed hopes that the firsthand experience and insights gained by the Philippine legislative delegation in Thailand will not only deepen their understanding of effective leadership and governance but also empower them to develop innovative strategies and solutions within their organizations, and ultimately benefit the Filipino people and contribute to nation-building.

The 2024 International Learning Course of the CBILLS Program in Bangkok, Thailand will run from 20 to 26 October 2024. END