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.