NEW Ireland Governor Byron Chan has continued his push to transform the province through strategic investment in human resource development, visiting the Philippines last week to explore educational and professional development opportunities for officers within the New Ireland Provincial Administration.
Last week Friday, Governor Chan and his delegation met with Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Leocadio S. Sebastian, and senior directors of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Manila to discuss a potential partnership focused on upskilling and professional advancement for provincial public servants.
The discussions centered on the development and delivery of internationally recognised Certificate, Diploma, and Master’s level programs aimed at strengthening the capacity of the New Ireland Provincial Administration and preparing a future-ready workforce capable of driving development throughout the province.
Governor Chan described the meeting as a significant step towards building a stronger, more skilled, and professional public service that can effectively deliver government services and support New Ireland’s long-term aspirations, including provincial autonomy and self-reliance.
“One of the greatest investments any government can make is in its people. Buildings, roads, and infrastructure are important, but it is our human resource capacity that ultimately determines whether we succeed as a province,” the Governor said.
“We want a Provincial Administration that is equipped with modern skills, international best practices, and the leadership capabilities necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
The Development Academy of the Philippines is widely recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s leading government training and public sector development institutions, providing executive education, policy research, and leadership training to government agencies and public servants throughout the Philippines and beyond.
Governor Chan said the proposed partnership would create pathways for New Ireland public servants to undertake professional development programs in governance, leadership, public administration, project management, strategic planning, financial management, and other critical areas of government service delivery.
The initiative forms part of the Governor’s broader vision to modernise the Provincial Administration and ensure the province is equipped with the institutional capacity required to support economic growth, investment, and future governance reforms.
He said strengthening human resource capacity has become increasingly important as New Ireland continues discussions around autonomy and increased provincial responsibilities.
“If New Ireland is to achieve its development ambitions and autonomy aspirations, we must first build the skills and expertise of our people. A strong and capable public service is the foundation of good governance.”
The training opportunities being explored would not be limited to senior executives but would also create avenues for emerging leaders and young professionals within the Provincial Administration, inculding teachers, to further their education and career development.
The discussions in Manila also explored opportunities for technical exchanges, leadership programs, executive training, and customised educational courses tailored specifically to the needs of the New Ireland Provincial Government.
The Governor said investing in education and professional development remains one of the key pillars of the Chan-Kolivos Government’s development agenda, and that of the greater People’s Progress Party (PPP) agenda.
Since returning to office, Governor Chan has reintroduced the provincial tertiary school fee subsidy program, expanded support for women through the Empowering Mama Bilas Peles Program, strengthened economic development initiatives through the New Ireland Development Corporation, and advanced discussions on provincial autonomy through state agency capacity assessments.
He said the latest initiative reflects a broader strategy of ensuring that development in New Ireland is driven not only by infrastructure and investment but also by knowledge, skills, and leadership.
“The future of New Ireland will not be built solely through projects and funding. It will be built by educated, skilled, and capable people who can lead our institutions and create opportunities for future generations.”
The Governor also acknowledged the legacy of his late father, former Prime Minister and Governor Sir Julius Chan, whose vision consistently emphasized education, leadership development, and building a capable workforce as essential pillars of nation-building.
“Sir Julius always believed that education was the most powerful tool for transforming lives and communities. As we continue his vision for New Ireland, we remain committed to creating opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and lead.”
The Provincial Government is expected to continue discussions with the Development Academy of the Philippines in the coming months, with both parties exploring a framework for future cooperation and educational exchange.
Another institution visited was the University of Perpetual Help to pursue similar opportunities.
Should these partnerships proceed, it is expected to become one of the most significant public sector capacity-building initiatives undertaken by the New Ireland Provincial Government in recent years.