The Program

The Philippines is a founding member of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), which was established on 11 May 1961 as a regional, intergovernmental organization whose mission is “to contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of Asia and the Pacific through enhancing productivity.”

The Development Academy of the Philippines-Productivity and Development Center (DAP-PDC) serves as the National Productivity Organization (NPO), the designated focal agency mandated to carry out the government’s commitments to the APO. The mandate was established through Presidential Decree 205 (23 June 1973), which created the DAP and also transferred the PDC’s roles, functions and budget from the National Economic Council (now the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development) to the DAP.

To fulfill these commitments, the Philippine government allocates annual budgetary support through the General Appropriations Act (GAA), which consists of:

a) The Regular Budget, covering the country's annual APO Membership Contribution; and

b) Support to the Productivity and Development Center (PDC).

Support to the PDC goes towards the implementation of international conferences, fora, workshops, training courses, study meetings, research programs, bilateral cooperation meetings, e-learning projects, study missions, and other activities. These programs enhance national productivity and competitiveness, particularly in areas such as public sector productivity, good governance, agricultural productivity, green productivity, SME development, and gender equality and women empowerment. These initiatives support local agencies, institutions, and vulnerable sectors by providing access to APO technical assistance, training, and global best practices. Support to PDC also ensures effective administrative and liaison work with the APO Secretariat and NPOs from the 20 other member economies.

Benefits

The Philippines remains committed to being an active and relevant APO member by hosting multi-country and in-country projects. A major undertaking is the 67th Workshop Meeting of Heads of NPOs (WSM) in 2026, a high-profile annual event where top officials composed of women and men from 21 APO member economies will convene to discuss strategic directions, operational matters, and the annual work program. Significant resources are needed to ensure the hosting of a seamless, world-class event, reinforcing the country’s standing in regional productivity initiatives, fostering stronger international cooperation, driving national productivity growth, and creating lasting socio-economic impacts that extend well beyond 2026.

Hosting other APO projects will also showcase the country’s productivity initiatives and innovations; strengthen partnerships with APO member economies; facilitate the transfer of global best practices, productivity tools, and management strategies; enable Filipino professionals, both women and men from the public and private sectors to build valuable networks with international experts and practitioners; and promote the Philippines as a prime destination for business, tourism, and venue for international events.

The beneficiaries of APO projects are from various sectors regardless of sex, race and ethnicity. Women and girl children indirectly benefit from the improved capacities of government organizations and institutions (such as DEPDev, DSWD, PCW, DILG, NCDA, NYC, and CDA) that implement social development projects for the larger society.

The professional network of APO experts both foreign and local can be tapped to implement various projects on productivity and quality improvement, gender equality and women empowerment. There is sufficient allocation to fund the deputation of such technical experts through APO Technical Expert Services and other in-country project windows.  

For 2026, the program has the following projects lined up:

• 70 multi-country projects (scholarship trainings)

• 18 research projects

• 15 project hostings (3 multi-country, 7 TES, 1 BCN, 1 DMP, 1 IOSM, 1 SNP, 1 WSM)

• 16 digital courses (self-learning e-course)

• 3 in-country projects (AWD, CBD, VSN) 

An estimated 1,030 women and men professionals from the public and private sectors are expected to benefit from these capability building projects, composed of policymakers, senior management representatives, middle managers, technical consultants, scientists, academics/educators, development and social workers, and researchers. Participants/grantees data shall be sex disaggregated.