The UP Diliman (UPD) National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) launched a fellowship program to honor the late Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR).

The NCPAG stated that the fellowship program UP NCPAG-Fidel V. Ramos LEAD4R Fellowship Program on Advanced Governance and Leadership for Public Service (LEAD4R Fellowship Program), is a “10-month non-degree executive course designed for established and emerging leaders from the government, civil society, and private sector. It aims to equip participants with results-oriented leadership tools, holistic and critical thinking skills, a collaborative mindset for problem solving, and a bibingka approach to policy and program implementation.”

The LEAD4R Fellowship Program, developed by the NCPAG, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and the FVR Legacy Initiative (FLI), will be implemented by the NCPAG Center for Leadership, Citizenship, and Democracy.

NCPAG Dean Kristoffer B. Berse, in his opening remarks, said FVR was NCPAG’s long-time partner and supporter and a consistent resource person in many of their forums. He added that the program was the college’s commitment to advance the ideas and ideals FVR pursued and embodied throughout his illustrious career.

“We at the college are honored and humbled to continue to uphold the legacy of the late President Ramos,” Berse said.

UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II commended NCPAG and its partners, especially FVR’s former cabinet members, who willingly shared their inputs in developing the program.

“This program, inspired by FVR, will be one of their major contributions to continue his legacy,” he said.

Meanwhile, former First Lady Amelita M. Ramos, the FLI co-chairperson, thanked the University for instituting the program. She said the collaboration of the NCPAG, MAP, and the FLI mirrors FVR’s leadership style and model, which is inclusive and transformative.

“The fellowship program inculcates values-based foundation for sustained leadership, preparing current and future generations of leaders to engage in meaningful reforms,” Ramos said.

Meanwhile, Rafael M. Alunan III, former interior and local government secretary; Cielito F. Habito, former National Economic and Development Authority general; and Roberto F. De Ocampo, former finance secretary, gave testimonials about the late president’s brand of leadership especially in democratic and economic reforms.

Also present were University officials, including UP President Angelo A. Jimenez.

The fellowship program was launched on March 19 at the UPD International Center for Public Administration.