Being true to its mandate as a premier development support institution, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) has intensified its role as catalyst for the shaping of “new, unique, trailblazing and pioneering ideas for the country’s development” through its Council of Fellows (COF).
The COF is the Academy’s mechanism to generate, discuss, and pilot-test, “new, trailblazing, pioneering, innovative, value adding and creative ideas” to address development problems of local or international significance by tapping eminent and renowned individuals, in both local and/or international circles, who hold expertise in their particular fields.
Last March 27, 2015, the DAP Eminent Fellows shared their thoughts on what the Academy must do, as change catalyst, to contribute to nation building during a luncheon meeting. Present at the gathering were former Senator Orlando S. Mercado, former Interior Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III, former Budget Secretary Salvador M. Enriquez, Jr., Maximo T. Kalaw Institute for Sustainable Development Chairman Sixto K. Roxas, Social Weather Stations CEO and President Mahar K. Mangahas, former DAP Senior Vice President William T. Torres, former DAP Vice President Arturo L. Tolentino, and Development Consultant Edicio dela Torre.
The DAP Eminent Fellows usually spearhead knowledge sharing sessions such as round table discussions (RTDs) , workshops, and fora on a variety of local and international issues and concerns. In some instances, renowned individuals, who are experts in their respective fields, are also invited to share their own thoughts during such sessions in order to catalyze discussions and the disseminate new ideas. These experts , and their ideas are valued by the DAP as it pursues its goal of advancing innovations in governance and productivity.
The experts top billed this year in the various sessions include : Economist and former UP-NCPAG Professor Jose P. Tabbada; former Energy Undersecretary and NAPOCOR President Cyril del Callar; and Gawad Kalinga Chairman and Founder Antonio P. Meloto.
DAP Executive Fellow, Dr. Carlos C. Tabunda, says the highlights of the discussions in such sessions will be published and disseminated to policy makers and thought leaders in aid of legislation and government policy directions. Likewise, the DAP aims to develop new programs, and concepts from the “new ideas” generated in such activities.