The Department of the Interior and Local GovernmentâNational Capital Region (DILG-NCR) recently participated in the Capacity Development (CapDev) Expo 2025 held in Zamboanga City from August 26-28, 2025, where key sessions focused on enhancing local government units (LGUs) and empowering local public servants to meet the challenges of modern governance. The event was hosted by DILG Region 9.
The CapDev Expo featured a series of informative and practical sessions aimed at strengthening LGU structures and systems, improving competencies, and ensuring sustainable and effective public service delivery at the local level. With a strong focus on the future of local governance, the discussions also explored the critical role of digital governance, as well as local strategies in disaster risk reduction.
As part of its participation, DILG-NCR set up the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) booth that highlighted the results of the Training Needs Assessment conducted by the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD). The DILG-NCR LGRC booth offered valuable insights into the development needs of Metro Manila LGUs, focusing on the specific areas identified through the assessment. DILG-NCR personnel actively engaged with attendees, sharing findings and offering guidance on how LGUs can build upon their strengths while addressing gaps in their organizational and operational capabilities.
The DILG-NCR also showcased its groundbreaking LegalCares digital platform at the expo, a tool designed to streamline the handling of complaints, enhance monitoring, ensure timely responses to clients, and promote transparency in service delivery. The LegalCares application which was simulated in the LGRC booth, garnered significant interest, with attendees learning firsthand how it has transformed complaint management processes in Metro Manila. Other DILG regions expressed great enthusiasm, noting how the platformâs features could be adapted and implemented in their respective areas. This exchange of ideas and LGRC best practices further demonstrated how digital innovation is becoming a key driver in modernizing public service delivery, inspiring greater collaboration and progress across the country.
During the CapDev Expo, students from Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga Peninsula State University, and Ateneo de Zamboanga, primarily majoring in Criminology, Public Administration, and Political Science, had the opportunity to engage with DILG-NCR personnel at the booth showcase. These students, eager to deepen their understanding of local governance, interacted actively with DILG-NCR personnel, learning about the departmentâs capacity development and LGRC initiatives. The discussions provided them with valuable perspectives on the practical aspects of governance, public service delivery, and disaster risk reduction, while also offering a closer look at the role of local government in maintaining peace, order, and resilience.
Additionally, the Municipality of Pateros functionaries shared their best practices and valuable insights during sessions focused on enhancing local government competencies, digital governance at the local level, and the future of local public service delivery. Their contributions highlighted the successful implementation of innovative programs and digital tools in local governance, offering practical examples that other LGUs can adopt to improve efficiency and service quality. Their inputs were well-received by participants, especially the functionaries from different provinces and regions who were eager to learn about real-world applications of governance strategies.
The booth exhibit provided an interactive experience for visitors, featuring detailed materials on the Department’s ongoing capacity-building programs. DILG-NCR’s presence at the CapDev Expo 2025 through its LGRC underscores its commitment to supporting local government units in their pursuit of better governance, more efficient public services, and stronger disaster resilience.