The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) recently completed the Career Credentialing Program (ACCP) Level 1 – Certificate in Development Bank Associate (CDBA), a hybrid program designed to provide junior and mid-level officers of development banks with basic knowledge and practical tools necessary for effective development banking. The program was conducted in person from June 16 to 20, with a final online session on June 27, 2025.
This run of the Level 1-CDBA program welcomed participants from the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) of Cambodia, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (PTSMI) of Indonesia, and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). The program featured a mix of expert-led lectures, dynamic discussions, real-world case studies, and an on-site project visit to reinforce classroom learnings.
A Deep Dive Into Development Banking
The five-day in-person segment of the program was held in the Philippines. The first four days consisted of lectures, case studies, and workshops in Makati City and was facilitated by Dr. Alvin Ang and Dr. Luis Dumlao of the Ateneo de Manila University. With decades of academic experience and consultancy work with multilateral and bilateral institutions, including government and private corporations, both experts delivered the sessions with insight, rigor, and relevance. The fifth day featured a project site visit to a LANDBANK-financed farm in Calatagan, Batangas, allowing participants to observe first-hand the real-world application of development banking principles.
The course was structured into four key modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Development Banking
Covered the origins, purpose, and evolution of development banking and its crucial role in national economic development. - Module 2: Development Banking Operations
Discussed the range of financial products and services offered, as well as tools for loan appraisal and risk management. - Module 3: Policy and Strategy
Addressed the regulatory landscape, strategic frameworks, and development banking models used across countries and institutions. - Module 4: Development Banking in Practice
Focused on innovation in the sector, including digital transformation, the use of blockchain and AI, sustainability, social impact assessment, and case studies of successful initiatives.
Throughout the modules, participants were engaged in collaborative activities and assignments that helped them internalize key concepts such as project finance, monitoring and evaluation, cross-cutting issues (gender, environment, and governance), and sustainable development.
Validation Visit to a LANDBANK-Supported Development Project
A highlight of the program was the project visit to Tierra del Sur Farms in Calatagan, Batangas—an egg production plant financed by LANDBANK. Facilitated by Cressida Alday-Mendoza of the ADFIAP Institute, the visit gave participants the opportunity to observe the real-world application of development finance principles, especially in supporting agri-enterprises and green innovation.
Participants from the ARDB of Cambodia found the visit particularly meaningful, recognizing that the model demonstrated by Tierra del Sur Farms could be adapted to enhance ARDB’s support for sustainable agricultural enterprises. The integration of product innovation and green financing mechanisms sparked fresh ideas and inspired new perspectives on how similar approaches could be applied within their own institution.
Online Reflection and Application of Learning
On June 27, 2025, the participants reconvened online to present their key takeaways and how they planned to apply the lessons in their respective institutions. The virtual session focused on reinforcing insights from the course and sharing institutional relevance.
Highlights included:
- A participant from PTSMI shared how the financial appraisal tools introduced in the course would help them in prioritizing high-impact infrastructure projects.
- A LANDBANK participant emphasized the importance of “nudging” strategies to improve policy communication and win legislative support for the agricultural sector.
- Several participants underlined the dual importance of financial viability and economic stability when assessing and financing development projects.
Shaping the Future with Purpose and Impact
The ACCP Level 1-CDBA program demonstrated ADFIAP’s commitment to capacity building in the development finance community. The program’s balanced approach—grounded in academic theory, enriched by practical exposure, and capped with reflective application—ensured that participants are better equipped to navigate the complex environment of development banking.
As the development finance landscape continues to evolve with emerging technologies, climate considerations, and social imperatives, programs like the CDBA serve as essential platforms for empowering development bankers.
