MABUHAY FROM VALENZUELA, PHILIPPINES!

I am Frances Marion Salazar from the vibrant city of Valenzuela, Philippines.

I am Frances Marion Salazar from the vibrant city of Valenzuela, Philippines. I was fortunate enough to be able to join the Local Administration Development Program (LADP) back in 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The LADP was done online during that time, but LOGODI was still able to give us a window to see and learn the Korean culture of governance and public service and how the leaders utilize the most effective strategies on how the government can serve its citizens through varying technological, innovation, and creative approaches.

Fast forward to 2023, I’m honored to be invited again to participate in the LADP face-to-face. I am honored to have represented the City Government of Valenzuela with two of my colleagues. This study trip is definitely one for the books, visiting South Korea for the first time and staying there for nine days.

We had the privilege of visiting several local government offices and agencies, seeing firsthand the innovative programs and solutions being implemented to address real-world challenges. The program also combined lectures with immersive experiences, allowing us to see the remarkable strides in governance and innovations made by Korean local governments. I admire their commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community engagement.

Additionally, LADP promoted cooperation through fostering connections and networking among participants from other nations. Everyone's varied experiences and backgrounds contributed to the discussions and offered insightful viewpoints on a range of local issues, approaches, and strategies employed in different cities and countries.

The cultural immersion component of the program deserves special mention too. From exploring Jeonbuk Innocity to wearing hanbok in the charming Jeonju Hanok Village, visiting our sister city Bucheon, to walking around the vibrant streets of Seoul, engaging with the locals, and savoring traditional Korean cuisine not only enriched our cultural awareness but also created lifelong friendships among us participants. It served as a good reminder of how crucial it is for local governments to embrace diversity and global perspectives.

Coming from a country where local government plays a key role in improving the lives of its citizens, we bear the tremendous challenge of delivering basic goods and services efficiently, timely, and in the simplest way possible. I returned home inspired and eager to replicate Korea’s best practices in our city.

I am thankful to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea for this opportunity to learn under the Local Government Officials Development Institute.

Thank you, LOGODI officials, program coordinators, and fellow participants for creating such a rewarding and enriching learning experience. I wholeheartedly recommend LADP to anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in local governance and administration.