The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) welcomed the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) of DILG Region V for a praxis convergence on November 27, 2025 at the DILG-NCR Regional Office in Quezon City. The activity aimed to deepen cross-regional learning on monitoring, evaluation, and governance systems.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III formally opened the activity by emphasizing the vital role of LGMED in regional operations. In her message, she underscored that division interfacing is essential for strengthening systems and improving Department-wide performance. She noted that LGMED serves as “the heart of operations” in monitoring peace and order, disaster response, performance audits, and other core functions that ensure operational excellence among local government units.

RD Agustin also introduced key initiatives from NCR, including the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP), the Regional Operations Center (OpCen), and the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC), which promotes knowledge sharing and innovation across operating units. She highlighted that the visit represents “a space for learning, collaboration, and alignment,” and expressed hope that the conversations would lead to improved approaches in supporting LGUs.

Representing DILG Region V, LGOO VII Darlyn D. Ayende, LGMED Chief, shared that their region seeks to enhance their monitoring and evaluation systems by learning from NCR’s predominantly urban context. She explained that the visit forms part of their broader initiative to benchmark with regions of varying urban and rural profiles, including an upcoming interfacing activity with DILG MIMAROPA.

Following the opening messages, LGOO VI Marda Alina R. Dumaoang-Acoba, Acting Division Chief of LGMED-NCR, provided an overview of the division’s operations. She discussed key distinctions in the monitoring structures of the two regions, noting that NCR’s direct oversight of highly urbanized cities differs from Region V’s layered system involving provincial offices. Despite these structural differences, she emphasized that the shared goal remains the same: delivering timely, accurate, and impactful monitoring support to LGUs.

After the plenary, participants proceeded to two simultaneous breakout sessions.

Group 1 engaged in technical discussions, including a presentation on NCR’s performance monitoring mechanisms by Acting Division Chief Dumaoang-Acoba; an overview of Support for the Local Governance Program (SLGP) by DMO IV Clarizzah Joi D. Tualla of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD); and a sharing of experiences and practices from Region V led by LGMED Chief Ayende.

As Group 1’s plenary discussions deepened, both regions highlighted unique innovations shaped by their respective governance environments. NCR showcased several urban-centered systems that enhance operational efficiency and real-time monitoring, including its Operations Center (OpCen) and the integration of environmental governance into LGMED processes through the MBCRPP. NCR also presented its Tangguyob, the region’s platform for converging DRRM thematic pillars, as well as digital tools such as the use of Discord for collaborative document review. Performance enhancement tools like the streamlined Flag Raising Reporting Template and multi-year Local Governance Performance Audit trend reporting further reflected NCR’s emphasis on data-driven and responsive governance.

Region V, on the other hand, introduced innovations aligned with its geographically diverse and largely provincial landscape. These include its province-by-province strategic interfacing sessions, which use participatory methods such as the World Café to identify performance gaps, harmonize schedules, and elevate local issues. The region also highlighted its strong civil society engagement programs, such as the CSO Academy of Bula, the Local People’s Council Forum, and refresher sessions for CSO Desk Officers. One notable innovation highlighted during the interfacing is their Open Office Tour initiative, where the regional office welcomes high school students for guided discussions and on-site observation. Through this program, learners are introduced to the work of DILG, allowing them to better understand how government systems operate and how public service is carried out at the regional level.

Meanwhile, Group 2 conducted a series of facility visits, starting with the DILG-NCR Operations Center, which serves as the region’s hub for monitoring disaster-related incidents, peace and order reports, and emergency coordination. The group also visited the hub for the MBCRPP, and the Central Office’s Disaster Information Coordinating Center (CODIX), where DMO Herbert Zapata provided an overview of CODIX operations. The tour concluded with a discussion on the Tangguyob, one of NCR’s regional platforms converging all DRRM thematic pillars in the region.

After reconvening in the Matino Room, representatives from both regions shared their takeaways from the interfacing. From NCR, ADA IV Christine L. Estrella expressed hope that the insights gained would translate into more efficient systems and improved implementation of programs in their respective localities. From Region V, LGOO V Jute Nocomora noted that while NCR and Region V differ in operational structures, the fundamental objective remains consistent: to deliver results and ensure quality local governance performance.

The activity formally concluded with a closing message from Acting Division Chief Marda Alina Dumaoang-Acoba, who thanked both teams for their active participation and reaffirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration between regions. She emphasized that shared learning, openness to new approaches, and continuous improvement are vital to strengthening the Department’s service to Filipino communities.

The praxis convergence between DILG-NCR and DILG Region V reflects the Department’s commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, innovation, and partnership, ensuring that both urban and rural LGUs benefit from strengthened systems and more responsive governance practices.