From August 19 to 21, 2024, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) conducted a three-day executive program for the members of the Metro Manila Councilors League (MMCL), the Secretary, and the members of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The training was conducted for 35 people in total.
The theme of the training was “Best Practices in Local Legislation and Governance in Japan”. In the training program, the lecture on “Local Government System in Japan” was given by Professor Hirofumi Takada (Program Director, Vice President and Director of the Global Leader Development Center), and the group visited National Association of Chairpersons of City Council in Tokyo, Chiba City, and Yokohama City. At each location, they had lectures related to the activities of local councils, such as management of each city councils, revitalization of local economies, preparing for and recovery from natural disasters, smart city concepts, and issues of younger generation’s interest in politics. During the Q&A session, many questions were asked, and many opinions were actively exchanged by both parties.
On the last day, Prof. Takada reviewed the training and handed out certificates of completion to all participants of the program.