The Department of the Interior and Local Government–Makati Field Office (DILG Makati), in collaboration with the City Government of Makati, successfully conducted the Barangay Newly-Elected Officials (BNEO) Towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Program from November 19 to 21, 2025, at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas, equipping barangay leaders with essential competencies to strengthen governance at the community level.

DILG Makati City Director Mary Jane S.E. Nacario, CESO V, formally welcomed all 23 participating barangays, expressing her appreciation for their commitment to service and emphasizing the importance of responsive, transparent, and accountable grassroots leadership. Mayor Nancy Binay commended the barangays for actively participating in the activity, where an open forum followed, in which Mayor Binay, together with engaged barangay officials held a discussion on pressing community concerns and opportunities for improved local governance. City Director Nacario encouraged participants to maximize the three-day training, noting that their active participation is crucial in shaping more effective and empowered barangays.

Vice Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña, Jr. and 1st District Representative Cong. Monique Lagdameo also delivered inspirational messages, underscoring the vital contribution of barangay officials in sustaining Makati’s development and ensuring citizen-centered governance.

The first day focused on essential governance frameworks for effective barangay administration. LGOO VI Atty. Racel S. Jose, LLM provided a comprehensive discussion on Local Legislation and Internal Rules of Procedure, highlighting mechanisms that enable barangay councils to craft responsive, lawful, and well-documented policies. Regional Information Officer Ronald R. Portales led a session on Social Media Etiquette and Digital Responsibilities, reminding barangay leaders of their crucial role in upholding professionalism, ethical communication, and responsible digital citizenship.

The second day featured thematic sessions designed to strengthen barangays’ functional capacities across key governance areas. LGOO VI Lillian H. Madjus discussed the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) and Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), reinforcing the importance of child rights, safety, and welfare in community planning. LGOO VII Cluster Head Abigayle C. Baligod, CESE, presented the Clean and Green Makati initiatives, encouraging environmental stewardship and barangay-level leadership in sustainability.

LGOO V Hannah Vieyll Jing A. Lauraya tackled the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), providing guidance on compliance, resilience-building, and preparedness. LGOO III John Jasper O. Forbes delivered an integrated discussion on Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC), and Barangay Road Clearing, emphasizing the barangays’ role in safety, order, and regulatory compliance.

Throughout the three-day BNEO GREAT Program, barangay officials engaged in dynamic learning sessions, open exchanges, and collaborative problem-solving, deepening their understanding of effective, accountable, and people-centered governance. The activity concluded with participants expressing renewed confidence and commitment to leading their communities with integrity, competence, and active civic partnership.

The DILG Makati and the City Government of Makati reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing empowered barangay leaders who serve as catalysts for resilient, progressive, and inclusive communities.