𝐃𝐀𝐏 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔, 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘
The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) officially introduced its flagship youth leadership initiative, the BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program, to the province of Cebu, encouraging young public servants and student leaders to take part in the government-funded training.
In a courtesy meeting with Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Tuesday, March 10, at the Capitol, academy officers outlined the program’s goal of empowering the next generation of leaders across Central Visayas by transforming them from passive participants into active contributors to sustainable regional development.
For her part, Gov. Baricuatro was very receptive to the program for Cebuano youth leaders, as well as to other partnership programs with DAP, including the establishment of a good governance institute.
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
Aside from the free training, the program will include an immersion experience at international universities to further enhance the knowledge the aspiring leaders gained from the Bagani Academy.
Also present during the meeting were Provincial Information Office Chief Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong, Provincial Youth Development Office Focal person Mikee Empaces and Elizar Sabinay Jr., executive assistant V assigned for planning and investment at the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
Now open for applications, the fully funded program is accepting young leaders aged 18 to 30 who are currently serving in government, including Sangguniang Kabataan officials, as well as student leaders from universities and youth leaders from YORP organizations.
By bringing the program to Cebu, DAP aims to ensure that young leaders outside Metro Manila, including members of indigenous communities, diverse ethnic groups, and gender minorities, gain access to premier leadership development opportunities.
“The leadership culture in Cebu is incredibly vibrant, but there is always a need to bridge the gap between local impact and national recognition,” said Tala dela Peña, BAGANI Fellowship Manager.
“With the support of Governor Baricuatro, we are here to affirm that the contributions of Cebuano youth are essential to our collective national goals.”
The BAGANI Fellowship offers an intensive one-month residency program for 100 selected fellows. It includes workshops, crisis simulations, and direct mentorship from seasoned public sector practitioners.
For those seeking flexibility, the Open Learning Track provides a self-paced digital module that allows participants to complete leadership courses at their own convenience and earn official certificates from DAP.
As a government initiative, all BAGANI programs are offered free of charge to qualified participants.
Applications for the Fellowship track are open until March 22, 2026, while enrollment for the Open Learning Track remains available until July 2026.
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