Dear LOGODI Alumni and Friends,

Hi, I am Mark Angelo Aravilla Dela Cruz, a Barangay (Village) Councilor of Malanday in Valenzuela City, Philippines.

I would like to greet all my fellow LOGODI alumni around the world and take this opportunity to share my experience with the Local Administration Development Program at LOGODI.

It was the year 2022 when we were able to join the program first but through virtual setup due to Covid-19 or post-pandemic restrictions together with my colleagues in Valenzuela City, Jake Bitualia and Cloie Mananquil.

This 2024, we were given once again the opportunity to join the program but now physically present in South Korea from June 27 to July 7, 2024. This year’s delegates came from various countries with dynamic style of governance. Each country's representative plays a significant role in their respective workplace or government offices.

My visit and stay in Korea is incredibly fun and amazing. From the moment we landed at the airport until we flew back to our country was really such a tremendous experience. The organizers and LOGODI family provided us with the best kind of service, reception, education, accommodation, tour and of course the quality Korean food to the whole delegation.

During the program, we learned new ideas and policies from our diverse set of professors. From local and national governance, policy planning, digital infrastructure, data-driven government, to innovative strategies that would benefit the community and focus the kind of service to a more community-centric approach.

On the sidelines, our study tour and site visit are really fantastic and memorable. We were able to experience Korean culture by paying a visit to the Hanok Village in Jeonju, the Hanji industry support center and the Sunchang Shil Land. Also, we were able to visit government offices like the Jeonbuk State Council, Wanju County Office, and my most favorite spot is the Digital Government Exhibit Hall.

These said studies gave me so many ideas on what to adopt and implement in our city of Valenzuela and in our community. Adding to this experience is our visit to our sister city, the Bucheon City.

The Bucheon Government welcomed us by walking the red carpet during the opening ceremonies of the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and met in person the famous actress Son Yejin. The next day, we paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Yong-eek Cho of Bucheon City. We also visit various institutions and facilities like the Bucheon City Hall, Byeolbitmaru Library and Sosa Youth Center. All of these facilities are definitely innovatively replicable!

The Local Administration Development Program of LOGODI helps us enrich our knowledge about good governance, improve our perspectives on digital innovations and learn the best practices of the Republic of Korea and our sister city Bucheon.

As a young government official, continuous learning is the most important and vital aspect to better serve our community and our constituents. These programs give us valuable information and wonderful experiences that develop our mental capacity and shape our leadership.

LOGODI’s hospitality made us feel very comfortable to enjoy and have fun during our time in Korea. This won’t be possible without of course the support and generosity of the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the Local Government Officials Development Institute. Likewise, I wish to express my utmost gratitude to the LOGODI President Lim Sang-kyu and the entire LOGODI family, especially the hardworking staff who joined us throughout our stay. Your kindness, warm hospitality and dedication made our trip really memorable.

The partnership between our organizations is truly valuable and inevitable. Your foreign relations and capacity building program continuously improve the quality of leaders and government officials across the globe.

With this, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for all the support and incredible efforts you provided us with during our stay and learning experience. I am certain and definitely looking forward to working and visiting you once again in the future!

Mabuhay at maraming salamat!