Asian Productivity Organization Returns to Manila With a Plan to Turn Productivity Into Prosperity
The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) returned to Manila with a clear message: productivity only matters when people can feel it. The city is where the APO’s founding convention was signed 65 years ago.
The APO convened its 67th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (WSM) in Manila from Oct. 20 to 22. National productivity organization (NPO) heads and delegates from member economies reviewed how to turn plans into results.
APO Manila Meeting Shifts to Action
The meeting marked a further step in moving the Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) from planning to implementation. NPO heads shared progress, approaches, challenges, lessons learned and opportunities for closer cooperation.
The WSM reviewed SPP Plan activities for 2026 and planned activities for 2027. It also considered proposals and updates on key APO programs under the APO Vision 2030.
Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, APO Director for the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, opened the inaugural session. APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata also delivered a statement.
Dr. Balisacan stressed regional cooperation and alignment with national priorities. “APO Vision 2030 sets our shared direction, while the Strategic Partnership Program, or SPP, provides a framework for initiatives aligned with national priorities,” he said.
Dr. Indra highlighted SPP implementation as a key focus of the WSM, emphasizing its role in strengthening member ownership, making APO support more member-focused and improving the delivery of measurable results.
Manila’s Place in APO History
Manila hosted the Second Asian Round Table Productivity Conference in 1960, where the draft convention that became the APO charter was adopted. Eight founding members, including the Philippines, signed the convention there on April 14, 1961.
The APO is marking its 65th anniversary this year. Dr. Indra said it was “fitting that we return to Manila not only to reflect on our beginnings but also to consider how the organization should continue to evolve under the APO Vision 2030.”
Kim Robert C. de Leon, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management of the Philippines, delivered the inaugural address as guest of honor. He said productivity should ultimately translate into tangible improvements for citizens.
“At the end of the day, the greatest achievement of productivity is prosperity that people can actually feel,” de Leon said. The remark framed the discussions around the impact of productivity on people’s lives.
The session also featured the launch of the APO Guidebook on Green Productivity. The APO Accreditation Body recognized the reaccreditation of the Mongolian Productivity Organization Certification Body for a second term through Dec. 5, 2030.
The inaugural session also saw the Department of Budget and Management and the Development Academy of the Philippines sign a memorandum of understanding. It covers the Public Financial Management Microcredentialing Program for Budget Officers and Analysts.
Other discussions covered the 2025 Annual Project Review and the performance of APO centers of excellence. The agenda also included the APO Liaison Officers’ Meeting and APO Genuine AI Action activities.
On the second day, delegates considered proposals from the APO Secretariat on revisions to the APO Award Program and a proposed APO training center. They also reviewed updates to the APO Accreditation and Certification Program.
The efforts are part of continuing work to strengthen institutional mechanisms under Vision 2030. Discussions throughout the WSM emphasized member-driven programming, measurable results and APO support aligned with member economy priorities.
