The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), in collaboration with the Local Government Academy (LGA), convened Metro Manila’s newly minted and reelected local leaders, along with DILG-NCR City Directors and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), for a high-level executive luncheon meeting under the 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program on August 8, 2025 at Conrad Manila, Pasay City.

Through this initiative, NCR leaders reflected on the fundamentals of public service and leadership and aimed to unite local priorities with the national development agenda. The program positioned local officials as drivers of transformative change, thereby enabling the region to advance toward a more resilient, progressive, and future-ready National Capital Region.

The activity, steered by Acting Division Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD), commenced with the opening rites and the formal recognition of the distinguished attendees.

In her welcoming address, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, underscored the importance of regional solidarity in addressing complex inter-LGU challenges such as solid waste management, flooding, mobility, and disaster preparedness. Framing the event as an opportunity for strategic engagement, she emphasized that DILG-NCR’s role extends beyond regulatory oversight to fostering systems, solutions, and partnerships with sustainable impact. 

As a closing note, RD Agustin quoted Thasunda Brown Duckett, remarking, “You rent your title, you own your character,” reminding local officials that while positions may be temporary, the legacy of one’s leadership endures.

The central policy discourse was led by Undersecretary Romeo P. Benitez, Undersecretary for External, Legal, and Legislative Affairs, who delivered an in-depth presentation on the legal mandates, powers, and limitations of local government units (LGUs) under the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160). His discussion provided a structured review of executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial functions, regulatory and fiscal authorities, the doctrine of delegated powers, and the constitutional and statutory boundaries that guide LGU action.

Undersecretary Benitez also drew on landmark Supreme Court jurisprudence to clarify the scope and limits of local authority, stressing the need for local governments to balance proactive policymaking with strict adherence to national laws and constitutional principles. He reinforced that effective local governance must be both responsive to community needs and compliant with the rule of law to preserve legitimacy and public trust.

The activity concluded with Metro Manila leaders united in their resolve to carry forward the insights gained and to work together in shaping policies that strengthen governance across the region.