Pasay city: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto called on the 857 new graduates of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to build a government that is fair, efficient, and honest. Recto urged DAP graduates to uphold a people-centered public service -- purposeful, not popular.

According to Philippines News Agency, Recto stressed that being unpopular does not equate to being unjust, and doing the right thing does not require a clapping track. He emphasized the importance of governance that is efficient and improves the lives of the people, as highlighted during his speech at the Second One DAP graduation ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Recto highlighted that true public service is measured not by likes but by lives improved, systems fixed, and trust rebuilt. He encouraged graduates to choose leading over following, doing what is right over what is popular, and prioritizing the people over praise.

As stewards of the public good, Recto reminded the graduates to always side with the people, despite facing challenges such as red tape, incompetence, corruption, and indifference in governance. He called for a new generation of leaders who are equipped with advanced technologies and new perspectives to address the clamor for a faster, smarter, and more responsive government.

Recto also clarified that siding with the people means providing a government that works for them and is honest enough to say no when needed and brave enough to say yes when it matters. He urged the graduates to serve well, lead wisely, and always side with the Filipino people.

The DAP, established in 1973, advances national development through training, research, and consultancy, focusing on good governance, productivity, and public sector excellence. To date, it has conducted 358 education programs and 1,078 training programs nationwide.