Marcos to DAP graduates: Use your knowledge to promote Filipinos' welfare

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the graduates of Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to use their new knowledge to uplift the lives of all Filipinos.

Marcos made the call in his speech at the One DAP Graduation ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

"As you include another academic and professional achievement in your list of accolades, be reminded of the great responsibility you hold, to use the knowledge you have gained in the Academy to uplift good government and promote the welfare of every single Filipino," Marcos said, addressing the DAP graduates.

"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," he added.

Now equipped with new skills and knowledge, Marcos urged the 661 graduates, who are holding senior and middle management positions in various agencies, to ensure transparency and integrity in fulfilling their roles.

"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 not only of this present generation but all those who are to come," he said.

"The Filipinos deserve no less than our utmost diligence, accountability, and our integrity. So, I ask that every time you come to work, ensure that your efforts are geared towards uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos," he added.

Marcos told the DAP graduates to help the government improve the delivery of services by promoting ease in public transactions, reducing red tape, and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic processes.

Furthermore, the President encouraged the public servants to be patient in waiting for the results of their hard work while they are in service.

"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.

In October 2023, Marcos transferred the DAP from the Office of the President to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as part of his administration's streamlining and rightsizing efforts. — VDV, GMA Integrated News