January 6, 2017. Ms. Salvacion Olinares, Ms. Elizabeth Owit and Ms. Trinidad Lagarto, officials from the Department of Education, Central Office, visited the Academia Progresiva De Manila to benchmark on best inclusive education practices. The said officials were impressed to see how APDM facilitates respect for diversity in terms of faith, race, economic status and ability. They reiterated that the Department of Education has initiated measures to encourage all schools to be more inclusive. Truly, APDM is helping pave the way for this vision.

TOYP Awards, Quebec, Canada, November 4, 2016. For his excellence and voluntary leadership in uplifting humanity through a more inclusive society, our very own Executive Director and Founder Prof. Abelardo Apollo I. David, Jr. was awarded as among the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World! For this remarkable achievement, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Prof. David at the Malacañang Palace. A testimonial dinner was likewise hosted for him and for the 2016 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines awardees, on December 12, 2016 where Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala was among the guests of honor to congratulate Prof. David and the TOYM honorees. Perhaps what is most admirable about Prof. David is how despite the numerous local and international awards he has received, he has remained humble and quiet, unwavering in getting his hands and feet directly immersed in our school’s affairs as he steers us towards the realization of our vision and mission.

Taking emergency response seriously, APDM conducted a school-wide fire and earthquake drill on July 21, 2016. Staff and Students alike were briefed to stay calm and alert in such situations. Each grade level was given a chance to practice accident precautionary measures. The drills given were unannounced and students must be knowledgeable on the steps and actions to be undertaken when an emergency siren is heard during class. The students of APDM were briefed to perform ‘duck, cover and hold’ as steps to follow during an earthquake. For the fire drill, an organized simulation of the evacuation plan was implemented.