In its continued commitment to strengthening local governance, the Local Government Academy (LGA), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8, officially launched the two-day Orientation for Training Managers in preparation for the 2025 implementation of the Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) program last June 4โ€“5, 2025, at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.
The activity aims to equip members of the DILG-8 Regional Training Management Team with a deeper understanding of the NEO PLUS framework, local government capacity development (CapDev) needs, and the implementation strategies necessary to ensure effective program delivery to local government units (LGUs).
In his opening message, Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe emphasized the importance of a well-informed training team in tailoring CapDev programs that respond directly to the unique needs of both newly elected and re-elected officials.
โ€œThe challenge is ensuring continuity. The opportunity is laying down stronger foundations for transformational leadership,โ€ RD Agabe remarked, highlighting the orientation’s crucial role in fostering responsive and sustainable LGU governance.
The first day of the orientation featured knowledge-sharing sessions led by LGA resource persons, covering key topics essential to the rollout of the NEO PLUS program. Discussions included CapDev programs for DILG and LGUs, an overview of the NEO PLUS framework, a refresher course for re-elected officials, and the Capacity Development Managers Toolkit. Participants also explored LGU capacity needs to ensure a responsive and effective approach to training both new and returning officials.
During its second day, key discussions focused on the current practices of the DILG in communicating the SGLG to its stakeholders, how to conduct an executive briefing, enhancing persuasion skills, and action planning.
The orientation gathered key DILG 8 personnel, including Provincial Directors, Cluster Heads (CHs), Program Managers (PMs), Division and Assistant Division Chiefs, and NEO focal officers at both the regional and provincial levels. They were led by RD Arnel M. Agabe, together with Assistant Regional Director Atty. Darwin N. Bibar, and LGA Executive Director Thelma T. Vecina.
Collaborative initiatives between DILG 8 and LGA reflect a shared dedication to building empowered, service-driven local governments across Eastern Visayas. By investing in the capabilities of local leaders, the program aims to drive long-term, transformative change in public service delivery.