The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) capped another milestone year with its Year-End Assessment for 2025, highlighting major accomplishments in local governance, peace and order, resilience, and inclusive development, while reaffirming its commitment to uphold transparency, accountability, and people-centered public service across Metro Manila. The said assessment was held at the Sequioa Hotel at the Aseana City Business Park, Parañaque, Metro Manila on December 15, 2025.

In her Regional Address, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III underscored that the year marked not only DILG-NCR’s 37th anniversary, but also the beginning of a renewed electoral term for local government units (LGUs), a transition that brings both opportunity and responsibility. She emphasized DILG-NCR’s sustained role as a key partner in governance, ensuring that all 17 NCR LGUs are continuously capacitated to deliver sustainable, inclusive, transparent, and responsive local governance. 

The Regional Director also highlighted NCR’s strong performance across governance indicators, including 100% compliance in the Full Disclosure Policy at both city/municipal and barangay levels, national recognition in the Local Legislative Awards, and landmark achievements such as Barangay Plainview of Mandaluyong City’s historic national win in the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards.

She further reported significant strides in participatory and inclusive governance, citing the successful localization of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in all 17 LGUs, the conduct of DAGYAW 2025 with nearly 9,000 citizen participants, and the recognition of innovative civil society engagement models such as the Pasig City CSO Academy.

Regional Director Agustin also commended the DILG-NCR’s efforts as the region became one of the top-performing regions in the recently held Subaybayani Awards, a recognition that affirms the Department’s shared commitment to capacity building, excellence, transparency, and results-driven governance.

Peace, safety, and resilience remained central to the region’s agenda, with all LGUs achieving high functionality ratings for Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs), LCAT-VAWC, and Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC). DILG-NCR also advanced disaster preparedness through initiatives such as BRAVE AKO 2.0, the updating of Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, and the institutionalization of Tangguyob, a quarterly convergence of disaster risk reduction and management pillars.

The Regional Director also acknowledged the Department’s investments in human capital, citing NCR’s top performance in the LGOO Apprenticeship Program, the success of newly conferred Career Executive Service eligibles, and the region’s recognition under various national awards. She concluded her address by dedicating her Tatag ng Agila Award (CapDev Ace) to the entire DILG-NCR family and its LGU partners, emphasizing that true power in public service is exercised through initiative, competence, and commitment to action.

“For us in the government, when we take power, we exercise our own sphere of influence, we become the first to champion a crucial policy reform, we own the solution to a recurring public complaint, or lead collaborative efforts across different departments, even without a formal designation,” Director Agustin mentioned.

In her Closing Remarks, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV echoed the message of gratitude, resilience, and collective achievement, describing 2025 as a defining year marked by courage, growth, and progress. She highlighted the region’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities through effective governance interventions, legal and performance monitoring, disaster preparedness programs, and inclusive development initiatives.

The Assistant Regional Director also commended the workforce for its excellence, discipline, and dedication, noting NCR’s distinction in producing the topnotcher of the LGOO III Apprenticeship Training. She paid tribute to Regional Director Agustin’s rare distinction as a two-time Tatag ng Agila Awardee, recognizing her visionary leadership and enduring impact on capacity development.

“Let this day stand as a celebration of our collective strength. The trust, participation, and cooperation of our communities have been among the most powerful drivers of our success, and we look forward to even more milestones in the years ahead,” Assistant Regional Director Baltazar-Cortez said.

As the year draws to a close, DILG-NCR reaffirmed its resolve to carry forward the same spirit of bravery, unity, and service into the coming year, continuing its mission to build safe, inclusive, resilient, and well-governed communities for the people of the National Capital Region.