DokVice Elmer T. De Peralta Attends 2024 KDIS-DAP Foreign Study Mission on Local Governance and Legislation

*Seoul, South Korea | June 8, 2024* — Vice Governor Dr. Elmer T. De Peralta, representing the Province of Sarangani, participated in the 2024 Foreign Study Mission on Local Governance and Legislation held in Seoul, South Korea, from June 2 to June 8, 2024. This significant event brought together officers from the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) and selected vice governors from across the Philippines.

Hosted by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), this six-day study mission aimed to provide provincial leaders with insights into best practices for effective local governance and legislation. The program was designed to enhance the capabilities of the participating officials, enabling them to implement improved governance strategies within their provincial jurisdiction.

“Participating in this study mission has been a remarkable experience. The insights gained from the Korean governance models and the interactions with experts in the field have provided us with valuable knowledge that we can apply in our own provinces,” said Vice Governor De Peralta.

During the mission, Vice Governor Dr. Elmer T. De Peralta, along with his fellow Provincial Vice Governors, attended lectures and engaged in interactive sessions. Notable among these were the lectures on the Korean Fiscal System by Professor Yoon Yeomoon and on Data-based Government and Innovative Governance by Professor Taewoo Nam. Following these lectures, the participants visited the Korean National Assembly Budget Office, where they engaged with officials and learned about Korea’s approach to fiscal management and budget transparency.

“The comprehensive discussion on fiscal policies and data-driven governance was particularly enlightening. It highlighted the importance of transparency and efficiency in government operations,” noted Vice Governor De Peralta.

A significant part of the mission was the tour of Sejong City, recognized as a Special Self-Governing City and the de facto administrative capital of South Korea. The itinerary included visits to the Korean Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management and Sejong City Hall. These visits provided insights into technology integration in the South Korean government’s efforts towards modern governance through its digital government operations and services.

“The tour of Sejong City was an eye-opener on the potential of digital governance. The integration of technology in public administration here is exemplary and offers a model that we can aspire to implement back home,” remarked Vice Governor De Peralta.

The KDIS-DAP Foreign Study Mission concluded on June 8, 2024, leaving participants equipped with new perspectives and strategies for advancing local governance in the Philippines. Vice Governor De Peralta expressed his commitment to applying the lessons learned to benefit the Province of Sarangani.

“The culmination of this study mission marks the beginning of our journey towards enhanced governance. The insights and methodologies we have acquired here will undoubtedly contribute to the development and legislative effectiveness of our province,” Vice Governor De Peralta affirmed.