𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝟴 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗘𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗨𝗦 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆-𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀
In its continuing efforts to promote responsive and effective local governance, the Local Government Academy (LGA), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8, officially launched the Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program on July 30, 2025, at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.
The three-day course, titled “Strategic Leadership for Good Governance,” serves as the first leg of the program’s introductory offering for newly minted local officials in Eastern Visayas. This initiative is part of the DILG-LGA’s comprehensive capability development strategy designed to equip local leaders with the knowledge, values, and tools necessary to lead their communities effectively and with integrity.
In his opening message, DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe underscored the crucial role of new leaders in meeting the rising expectations of their constituents, especially in a region shaped by both natural challenges and significant development milestones.
“Governance today demands more than just fulfilling mandates—it requires strategic foresight, empathy, innovation, and collaboration,” RD Agabe said.
He further emphasized that the region’s progress cannot be sustained through business-as-usual governance. “Let your three years of service be meaningful—not for personal gain, but for the welfare of your communities.”
He also highlighted Region 8’s achievements in governance, peace, and resiliency, noting the steady rise in Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardees—from 15 in 2022 to 33 in 2023 and 53 in 2024. The number of Gawad Kalasag awardees likewise increased significantly, from 31 to 87 in the past year, reflecting enhanced disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts. Additionally, he underscored the region’s milestone achievement in reducing the New People’s Army’s (NPA) membership count by 76% since 2019—an indication of the government’s continued success in advancing peace and order. This, he emphasized, marks a major step forward in strengthening the peace and security landscape of Eastern Visayas.
“As peace takes root, communities begin to flourish,” said RD Arnel M. Agabe. “Health services now reach more families, education empowers more learners, governance becomes more responsive, and our LGUs are increasingly becoming people-centered and high-performing. These gains are proof that good governance and peace-building go hand in hand.”
RD Agabe challenged newly elected officials to sustain the gains of devolution, reminding them that leadership is a choice driven by service:
“You were not forced to run—you chose to serve. With that choice comes the responsibility to serve with humility, integrity, and purpose.”
To ensure maximum participation and learning, the introductory course for newly minted local officials will be conducted in two batches:
Batch 1: July 30–August 1, 2025
Batch 2: August 25–27, 2025
In addition, re-elected officials are set to participate in a refresher course titled “Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance” this August. The course is designed to reorient returning local leaders on the latest tools, updated guidelines, and innovative strategies that aim to further strengthen governance practices and elevate the quality of public service delivery in their respective communities.
Through the NEO PLUS Program, DILG Region 8 reaffirms its commitment to fostering transformative, resilient, and service-driven leadership. As the region continues to face evolving challenges —from natural disasters to development transitions—building the capacities of local officials remains a vital foundation for inclusive and sustainable progress.
