The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through its Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC), convened key regional and field office contingents in a strategic convergence meeting on April 27, 2026 via Zoom teleconference to advance knowledge management systems, strengthen leadership capacities, and reinforce evidence-based decision-making. 

In her keynote message, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director and LGRC Manager Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, underscored the evolving role of the LGRC as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and institutional learning. She emphasized that in an increasingly complex governance landscape, the ability to generate, manage, and utilize knowledge effectively is central to achieving excellence in local governance.

“The DILG-NCR LGRC is no longer just a repository of information but a strategic catalyst of transformation. It bridges policy and practice, connects learning with action, and ensures that innovation is not only developed but sustained and scaled,” ARD Atty. Baltazar-Cortez stated.

She further highlighted that the DILG-NCR LGRC’s initiatives are anchored on the broader outcomes of excellence in governance, resilient communities, and strengthened institutional trust, ensuring that capacity development efforts translate into measurable improvements in local government performance and service delivery.

The meeting served as a venue for critical discussions and alignment on key programs, initiatives, and operational priorities. A comprehensive discussion of the 2024 LGRC Assessment Results was presented by DILG-NCR Chief-of-Staff and LGRC Coordinator Mary Rose Bernadette Mabato-Hilario, providing an in-depth analysis of performance benchmarks and identifying key areas for improvement among sub-LGRCs. This was complemented by the presentation of the highlights of the First Quarter CY 2026 Monitoring and Evaluation Conference of the Local Government Academy by Regional Planning Officer Theresa Marie L. Hipe, which outlined emerging directions, priority programs, and strategic interventions in capacity development.

Preparations for the conduct of the Knowledge Management Internal and External Audit for CY 2026, along with the clustering of Sub-LGRCs in the National Capital Region, were discussed by Civic Innovation Facility Head and Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Section Chief Dennis R. de Paz, emphasizing the need to institutionalize standards and strengthen collaborative mechanisms within the LGRC network. Meanwhile, the Retooling Program for DILG-NCR Officers, presented by LGRC Coordinator and LGCDD Assistant Division Chief Maria Jasmin D. Diaz, focused on recalibrating competencies and enhancing the technical and adaptive capacities of personnel to respond to evolving governance demands.

Further reinforcing operational readiness, the status of Local Government Academy (LGA) funds was reported by Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) Assistant Division Chief Rhodalyn O. Panganiban, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the strategic allocation of resources in support of LGRC initiatives. The meeting also featured the sharing of the Manila Sub-LGRC initiative, particularly the Associate in Barangay Governance Program of the City of Manila, presented by City Director Marco Augusto G. Cabueños Jr. and Cluster Head Fortunato S. Austria of the DILG Manila Field Office, highlighting an innovative and scalable model for strengthening barangay-level governance.

The meeting was further enriched by the active participation of other Sub-LGRCs across the National Capital Region, demonstrating a unified and collaborative approach to advancing local governance. Among those in attendance were OIC City Director Kathleen M. Sibal-Tungcul, CESE of DILG Mandaluyong, City Director Raymond Gerard E. de Asis, CESE of DILG Marikina, Visitation C. Martinez, CESO V of DILG Pasig, Emmanuel D. Borromeo, CESO V, Cluster Head Helen A. Verzosa, and LGOO VI Detherina M. Basilio of DILG Quezon City, OIC City Director Abigayle C. Baligod, CESE of DILG San Juan, City Director Jenifer G. Galorport, CESO V of DILG Caloocan, and Cluster Head Atty. Franie S. Rios of DILG Muntinlupa, whose presence underscored the collective commitment of NCR LGUs to knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous capacity development.

The LGRC convergence reflects DILG-NCR’s firm commitment to strengthening its knowledge ecosystem, one that is responsive, data-driven, and aligned with the evolving needs of local government units and communities.As the LGRC continues to evolve as a cornerstone of capacity development, DILG-NCR reaffirms its strategic direction toward fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance the capabilities of both internal personnel and external stakeholders, ensuring that the LGRC remains a vital instrument in advancing responsive, transparent, and high-performing local governance across the National Capital Region.