BAGUIO CITY - The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) has been instructed by the national government to train at least 1,000 executives and middle managers annually in digital governance, as part of an initiative to modernize government operations. DAP Vice President Nanette Caparos, speaking at a press conference on Friday, said the program focuses on equipping government officials with essential digital skills.

According to Philippines News Agency, the mandatory training program spans seven days for middle managers, while executives undergo a shorter, three to five-day "Catch-up" course that focuses on Artificial Intelligence. The goal is to ensure that government leaders are up to date with technological advancements, thus improving governance. Currently, DAP has 1,507 professionally trained officers from 254 agencies across the government.

Caparos noted that 93 percent of middle managers who have completed the training remain in their positions, with many promoted to higher executive roles. The program is exclusive to Philippine public servants and includes a Masters in Public Management Development course, which costs the government PHP600,000 per participant. Training has also been extended to employees with Salary Grades 18 to 23 who exhibit exceptional skills, even if the initial eligibility was for those holding Salary Grade 24 and above.