The DILG National Capital Region reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening local governance as it took part in the Validation Workshop for the enhanced version of the Newly Elected Officials (NEO) Plus +++ Program, held April 24, 2025 in Angeles City, Pampanga. Led by the Local Government Academy (LGA), the workshop aimed to ensure that the capacity development program for incoming local officials remains responsive to the evolving demands of public service and local development.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, together with Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, led the regional team composed of City Directors Emmanuel Borromeo, CESO V (Quezon City), Jess Marie Acoba, CESE (Malabon City), Jenifer Galorport, CESO V (Navotas City), Atty. Cherry Canda-Melodias, CESO V (Pasay City), Patrick John Megia, CESO V (Las Piñas City) and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Charlotte G. Publico (Municipality of Pateros). Joining them were Acting Division Chief Luigi DC Pilarta and LGOO V Rhona Grace Perola of the Local Government Capacity Development Division (LGCDD).

With the nation gearing up for the May 2025 local elections, both the LGA and DILG ensure closely working together in providing a responsive capacity development program which should be in place for the incoming set of local officials. The NEO Plus +++, an enhanced version of the long-standing NEO program, is designed to equip local officials with the tools and strategies they need to effectively respond to the evolving challenges of local governance and community development.

During the validation workshop, DILG-NCR representatives actively provided their insights to help refine the NEO Plus +++ Program’s implementation design. With the distinct governance landscape and urban challenges of Metro Manila, the regional team raised the needs and concerns of NCR LGUs for consideration in the program design. These inputs, along with those from other regional stakeholders, aim to ensure that the NEO Plus Program remains not only relevant but truly responsive to the realities faced by local governments on the ground.

The activity builds on a series of consultations held across the country, with the validation workshops providing an opportunity to bring together all the insights and finalize key components of the said program. It reflects the shared commitment of DILG regional and field officers, who work side by side to help improve local governance nationwide.

Staying true to its commitment in fostering sustainable urban governance, the DILG-NCR remains steadfast in empowering local leaders towards achieving a Mapagkalinga at Maunlad na Pamahalaang Lokal.