The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) visited Ilocos Norte on Monday and met with local leaders to promote its flagship program for developing the next generation of leaders.

Led by DAP vice president Jun Arvin Gudoy, who hails from this city, the project, dubbed “BAGANI, Rising Leaders’ Development Program,” is a nationwide initiative that aims to ignite a passion for leadership and governance among young Filipinos.

“For the first time this year, the academy is opening the training ecosystem to young leaders in public service,” he said during a courtesy visit with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the Capitol session hall on Monday afternoon.

Open to young leaders aged 18-30 from national government agencies, local government units, and Sangguniang Kabataan, including student leaders from universities, colleges, and vocational schools, the fully funded program is now open for applications, he added.

In a separate interview, French Bandong, the project leader of Bagani, said the program aims to empower active young leaders with the skills and expertise to tackle the evolving challenges of modern governance and to create a tangible impact in the public sector.

He noted that there are two components of the program from which applicants may choose.

He said the Bagani open learning is accessible through self-paced modules in a leadership and governance course accredited by the DAP and the Civil Service Commission. The application for access is open from February through July 2026.

On the other hand, the Bagani fellowship is an intensive residency for 100 exceptional fellows selected to design and implement catalyst projects in the future. The application deadline is March 22, 2026.

“At this time, we believe that it is high time for our youth as well to be prepared and also to be trained with their competencies for the future,” he said. (PNA)