ABG: Building Ethical Leaders for Magnificent Manila
In a powerful address, John Visca, the City Director of DILG NCR, Manila Field Office, emphasized the transformative impact of the Associate in Barangay Governance (ABG) Program during a recent event. He highlighted how the program equips graduates with essential skills, knowledge, and values necessary to lead ethically and effectively at the grassroots level. “ABG enables graduates to address community challenges with integrity and innovation,” he stated.
Visca enumerated observable outcomes among ABG graduates, including improved governance practices, enhanced leadership decision-making, and community empowerment through participatory governance. Graduates exhibit a deeper understanding of barangay laws and policies, resulting in more transparent and organized governance. A significant rise in professionalism and accountability has also been noted, with increased transparency in the management of barangay affairs. Many graduates have been invited by neighboring barangays to share their insights and best practices, amplifying the program’s impact beyond their own communities.
One tangible testament to the program’s success is the doubling of enrollees in the second batch, reflecting growing recognition of its value. Visca commended the partnership between Universidad de Manila (UDM) and the DILG, noting that it contributes meaningfully to the city’s vision of a “Magnificent Manila” and beyond. “This academic program is not only a commitment to Manila but to nation-building—one barangay at a time,” he affirmed.
The ABG Program exemplifies how education and ethical leadership can drive sustainable development at the grassroots level, forging a brighter future for the city and the nation.
