APO advances Vision 2030 implementation at Manila workshop meet
MANILA, PHILIPPINES: The Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) held its 67th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organisations (NPOs) in Manila, Philippines, from October 20 to 22. The meeting brought together heads of national productivity organisations and delegates from member economies to review progress on the Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) Plan and discuss proposals under the APO Vision 2030 framework.
The three-day meeting marked a step forward in moving the SPP from planning to implementation. Delegates shared updates on SPP activities, including progress, operational challenges, lessons learned and opportunities for greater regional cooperation. The meeting also reviewed 2026 activities and set out initiatives planned for 2027.
APO Secretary-General Dr Indra Pradana Singawinata said implementation of the SPP was a key focus of the meeting, noting its role in strengthening member ownership, tailoring APO support to specific needs and improving the delivery of measurable results.
The opening session featured remarks by APO Director for the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development Dr Arsenio M Balisacan, APO Secretary General Dr Indra Pradana Singawinata, and guest of honour Kim Robert C de Leon, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management of the Philippines.
Dr Balisacan highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and aligning organisational activities 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.
Secretary de Leon highlighted the impact of productivity on citizens' welfare, stating, “At the end of the day, the greatest achievement of productivity is prosperity that people can actually feel.”
The opening session also saw the launch of the APO Guidebook on Green Productivity and the presentation of an APO Accreditation Body certificate recognising the reaccreditation of the Mongolian Productivity Organization Certification Body for a second term through December 5, 2030.
In a separate development, the Department of Budget and Management signed a memorandum of understanding with the Development Academy of the Philippines to establish the Public Financial Management Microcredentialing Program for Budget Officers and Analysts.
Discussions during the meeting also covered the 2025 Annual Project Review, the operational performance of APO centres of excellence, the APO Liaison Officers' Meeting and APO Genuine AI Action activities.
On the second day, delegates reviewed Secretariat proposals and reports related to revisions to the APO Award Program, the proposed establishment of an APO training centre and updates to the APO Accreditation and Certification Program as part of efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms under Vision 2030.
The meeting took place in a city with historical significance for the organisation. Manila hosted the Second Asian Round Table Productivity Conference in 1960, where the draft convention for the APO charter was adopted. On April 14, 1961, eight founding members, including the Philippines, signed the convention establishing the APO in Manila.
“As the APO celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, it is fitting that we return to Manila not only to reflect on our beginnings but also to consider how the organisation should continue to evolve under the APO Vision 2030,” APO Secretary-General Singawinata said.
Established in 1961, the APO is a regional intergovernmental organisation that promotes productivity across the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation, policy advisory services, capacity building and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable socioeconomic development in member economies.
