In preparation for the rollout of its flagship capacity development program for local government officials, DILG-NCR in partnership with the Local Government Academy, held a two-day orientation for Capacity Development Managers of the Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS+++) Program on June 4-5, 2025 at The Tribute Hotel, Quezon City.
The activity brought together the LGA Training Management Team, 17 DILG-NCR Division Chiefs, Assistant Division Chiefs, and City Directors and MLGOO from the Field Offices.
The NEO PLUS Program aims to equip newly elected and re-elected local chief executives (LCEs) with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively lead and deliver responsive public service. Further, the NEO PLUS+++ Program is positioned to assist LGUs in managing these transitions and enhancing their overall governance performance, given the growing need to strengthen local governments’ absorptive capacities in light of recent administrative and fiscal reforms.
Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, emphasized in her opening remarks the significance of enhancing Field Officers’ abilities to assist local officials in an efficient manner.
“Given the crucial role that our Field Officers play in supporting recently elected officials, the Orientation for Capacity Development Managers is necessary to ensure that they are prepared to offer reliable, accurate, and strategic direction as local officials embark on their leadership roles,” RD Agustin emphasized.
The two-day orientation provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the NEO PLUS+++ Program framework, including its goals, objectives, and key components. These include the Refresher Course for re-elected officials, the Training Managers Guide for course implementation, Capacity Needs and Solution Mapping, and tools for conducting effective Executive Briefings.
Local Government Academy Assistant Director Esmeralda Daphne N. Purnell, CESO IV during the discussion also highlighted the importance of crucial roles of field offices in providing capacity development support to LGUs.
“Every local government unit faces a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. That is why our Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) and its sub‑LGRCs are indispensable—they let us segment LGUs through the Seal of Good Local Governance lens, pinpoint the capacities that truly matter, and design context‑driven support. By first knowing our LGUs well, we can deliver precise, high‑impact interventions that help each one reach its fullest potential in serving the public,” said AD Purnell.
Participants also engaged in action planning to ensure a consistent delivery of the Executive Briefing across the region. The sessions emphasized the importance of clear communication, effective facilitation, and fostering a collaborative relationship between the Department and the LGU.
ARD Atty. Ana Lyn Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, urged attendees in her closing remarks to see themselves not merely as facilitators, but as partners in promoting transformative leadership at the local level:
“As we move forward, let us remember that empowered field officers are essential to empowering local governments. The success of the NEO PLUS+++ Program will depend on our ability to work together, communicate effectively, and follow through with a shared commitment to excellence,” said ARD Baltazar-Cortez.
The orientation is part of DILG-NCR’s continuing efforts to strengthen its internal capacity to deliver strategic capacity development interventions, in alignment with the Department’s goal of promoting Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahang Pamahalaang Lokal.
With the formal rollout of the NEO PLUS+++ Program set to take place in the coming weeks, DILG-NCR and its Field Offices stand ready to support local leaders in building responsive, resilient, and citizen-centered governance across Metro Manila.