CBILLS PROGRAM





INTERNATIONAL LEARNING COURSE






“This five-day International Learning Course, a part of the Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program has been an extraordinary opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Dutch governance model. We leave not only with new knowledge but also with inspiration to bring innovative practices back to our work in the Philippines. We explored the structure and collaboration between national and local governments particularly in The Hague Municipality – learning how budgeting, citizen engagement, and policy-making intertwine to foster effective governance.The Sessions on futures thinking, digital innovation (like the i-Domain and BRP System), and fiscal governance opened our eyes to pragmatic approaches we can adapt to our local context. A new approach or solution to a need, or by turning a challenge into an opportunity can lead to something transformative. The lecture and visit on the Dutch Parliament and Senate, we witnessed democracy in motion – a powerful reminder of the transparency and accountability we strive for in our own institutions.” – Scholar from Appropriations and Finance – Managers Track 2025




LEGISLATIVE TRAINING COURSES





Strategic Management
July 7-11, 2025

“I find the course on strategic management is very engaging and the introduction of the AI made it more engaging. I like how the course was organized in such a way that the participants were taught to do it manually and then by AI. The participants would be expected to compare how they find both exercise and the experience complements learning. Although the sessions were workshop-heavy, I could say that the entire experience of doing the workshops, including the collaboration made as a team as well as the mistakes we made, made the course memorable. I think the constructive criticism from the panel on our final presentation really tied the sessions together. The hard work paid off.” – Scholar from Middle Managers Track 2025 (House of Representatives)




Systems Thinking
July 7-11, 2025

“Personally, I’ve been in the Senate since 2016. Kung ano yung ginagawa namin way back in 2016, up to now, we’re basically doing the same things. […] Lagi namin pinagyayabang that we have passed more than 300 laws in the past, both local or national.

[…] But this entire session, I thought before joining this CBILLS program, na alam na namin lahat. From hesitation, nag-start ako na medyo steady lang, mababa yung motivation. […] But during the first day here at Tagaytay, […] naging exponential growth yung motivation ko. Because I realized, tama na to have that beginner’s mind. Sabi ko: “oo nga, madami ko na pala talagang hindi alam.”

[With CBILLS], I learned to focus on what matters. I learned to be aware of our mental models. I learned that everything is interconnected. And therefore, all the more that we have to work together. Although ang daling sabihin po nun, but in our work, in the Senate, ay sa dami po nung volume ng trabaho, matagal talaga yung proseso ng working collaboratively. But it’s a challenge to all of us to work because, as they say, alone is hard, but together is better.] So I thank this partnership between DAP, the Senate, and Congress.” – Scholar from Senior Leaders Track 2025 (Senate of the Philippines)




THURSDAY TALKS SERIES





Navigating Global Shifts: Strategic Directions for Philippine Foreign Relations
April 3, 2025

“The lecture is very informative in connecting local or national issues in the Philippines to broader global issues and the possible actions that our country may take to combat such challenges.” – Scholar from the Appropriations and Finance Managers Track 2025 (Senate)


Securing the Seas: Safeguarding Strategic Interests in the Philippine Maritime Domain
June 26, 2025

“I appreciate the timely choice of topic. The objective of helping the audience understand the significance of maritime issues was effectively achieved.” – Scholar from the Appropriations and Finance – Emerging Leaders Track 2025 (Senate)
“The choice of panelists is excellent. They are some of the brightest minds in their respective fields. I am honored to have listened to their views and thoughts on maritime policy as well as their legislative recommendations.” – Scholar from the Middle Managers Track 2025 (House of Representatives)



CBILLS CONFERENCE





Reshaping the Future of Public Policy for Innovative Governance
October 10, 2024

“I found the discussions on how AI can improve governance particularly rewarding. The practical examples of AI tools already being used to streamline public services really opened my eyes to its potential for making government processes more efficient and accessible. It was great to hear experts address both the opportunities and challenges of AI in policy-making.” – Scholar from Emerging Leaders Track 2024 (Senate)