President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. addressed the graduates of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) during their One DAP Graduation ceremony, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

President’s Call for Public Service

In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the significant responsibility that comes with their education. He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge they’ve gained to enhance public service and promote the welfare of every Filipino.

Marcos stated, “As graduates of the prestigious DAP, you are called upon now to consider how you can contribute to the noble yet formidable pursuit of public service.”

Transparency and Integrity in Public Service

With new skills and knowledge, Marcos highlighted the need for transparency and integrity in their professional roles. He asked graduates to steward good governance by utilizing funds wisely and pursuing projects that benefit present and future generations.

“I ask that when you fully resume your work, you will be the stewards of transparency and good governance. I trust you to ensure that every centavo appropriated to your offices be spent judiciously and wisely for projects that sustainably benefit the Filipino people,” Marcos said.

Streamlining Public Transactions and Services

The President challenged the graduates to improve the delivery of services by facilitating smoother public transactions and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic processes. Red tape has long been a hurdle for Filipinos seeking governmental assistance, and Marcos believes that the reach of these graduates can help alleviate this issue.

Patience and Persistence in Public Service

Marcos encouraged the graduates to maintain patience and perseverance in the pursuit of their goals, reminding them that the impact of their efforts will eventually be realized.

“One day we will see the effects [of] that banging your head against the wall and continuing the work that you have committed your life to, you will see… the effects and the results of your hard work, and to the benefit of other people. You will have changed lives. You will have made lives better for ordinary people—people you do not even know,” he said.

Conclusion

The graduation speech by President Marcos came at a crucial time, as the country aims to strengthen its governance and service delivery mechanisms. By instilling values of transparency, integrity, and public service among the new cadre of professionals, the administration is setting a new standard for government supervisors and public servants.

With the 661 DAP graduates armed with enhanced leadership and technical capabilities, the nation moves forward with a renewed emphasis on transforming communities, improving the lives of citizens, and fostering a more accountable and responsive government.