13 January 2026, Seoul — Barangay officials from Mandaluyong City formally opened the Strengthening Barangay Governance: An International Learning Program on Innovative Solutions for Community Development at Yonsei University in Seoul, marking the start of a week-long capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening local leadership and community development.

The international learning program, held from 12 to 17 January 2026, is organized by the barangay governments of Highway Hills, Mauway, and Pleasant Hills in partnership with the Washington Global Institute and Yonsei University, with the support of the Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul.

The opening session, held at the ICONS Seminar Room of Yonsei University’s Academic Information Center, was attended by Dr. Tahir I. Shad, President of the Washington Global Institute; Hon. Maria Corazon C. Abalos, Punong Barangay of Barangay Highway Hills and head of the delegation; Professor Taedong Lee, PhD, of the Department of Political Science and International Studies of Yonsei University; and honorable barangay officials of Mandaluyong City.

Messages of support were delivered by Her Excellency Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation and leadership development in strengthening Philippine local governance.

In her message, the Ambassador underscored the vital role of barangay officials as frontliners of governance and community development, noting that strong and resilient nations are built on empowered local communities and capable local leaders. She emphasized that strengthening barangay leadership directly contributes to improved service delivery, peace and order, disaster preparedness, and citizen participation.

She further noted that learning in an international setting is “like a breath of fresh air,” providing new perspectives, renewed inspiration, and practical insights that barangay officials can bring back to their communities to enhance governance and public service.

The program features learning sessions and institutional visits focusing on innovative governance practices, community safety, citizen participation, and efficient public service delivery, drawing from the Republic of Korea’s experience in building responsive and inclusive communities. Participants are expected to translate these insights into concrete actions applicable to their respective barangays in Mandaluyong City.

Beyond technical training, the initiative also promotes people-to-people and community-to-community engagement between the Philippines and Korea. The Philippine Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to leadership development, civic responsibility, and collaborative action as part of its broader nation-building efforts.

The Embassy also expressed its appreciation to Yonsei University and the Washington Global Institute for their continued partnership, noting that the collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation and citizen engagement in effective local governance.

As the program concluded, barangay officials are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, share best practices, and strengthen networks that will contribute to more responsive, transparent, and empowered local governments back home.

The Learning Program is expected to inspire innovative approaches to grassroots governance and reaffirm the vital role of barangay officials in empowering communities and serving the Filipino people.