To strengthen the leadership journey of both newly elected and reelected local officials in the National Capital Region, the DILG-NCR, in partnership with the Local Government Academy, conducted the 2025 NEO PLUS Urban Governance Course on August 26, 2025 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City. With the theme “Sustaining Synergistic, Strategic and Transformative Leadership,” the course served as a space for learning, reflection, and shared commitment to better governance and public service.

In her welcoming remarks, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, reminded participants that public office is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that requires competence, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to public trust. She emphasized that the program was designed to support leadership transitions, strengthen capacities, and provide strategic direction to ensure effective and transparent governance in NCR.

Echoing this call, Local Government Capability Development Division Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta highlighted that the training goes beyond knowledge-sharing, serving as a reminder for leaders to embrace their roles with a shared vision. He stressed that the complex challenges of Metro Manila cannot be carried by one leader alone, but must be addressed through collaboration, participatory governance, and active community involvement. 

The first session was opened by Former DILG Secretary and now Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, who urged local leaders to learn from the past, act decisively in the present, and prepare for the future. Drawing on global development experiences, he contrasted the progress of other nations with the challenges faced by the Philippines, stressing the need for visionary leadership and cooperation in addressing complex realities at the local level. Reflecting on his years as mayor of Calbayog City, he shared that while they followed directives from oversight bodies, their most meaningful achievements came from listening closely to their constituents and responding to genuine needs. For Sarmiento, it is this balance of principle, compassion, and pragmatism that allows leadership to create lasting impact.

Building on this call for principled and compassionate leadership, the succeeding session on Leadership Branding: Defining Your Identity as a Local Chief Executive was delivered by Dr. Ma. Oliva Z. Domingo, Research Fellow of the Development Academy of the Philippines – Graduate School for Public and Development Management and Professor at the University of the Philippines – National College for Public Administration and Governance. Domingo challenged officials to reflect on the “brand of leadership” they embody, emphasizing that leadership is not defined by titles but by the values, vision, and behaviors that shape how communities experience governance. She reminded mayors, vice mayors, and councilors alike that trust and credibility are earned when words, actions, and values align. “In leadership, you are the brand,” she declared.

From leadership branding, the course shifted to Harnessing Global Knowledge for Local Empowerment with Dr. Aser B. Javier, who highlighted the need for LGUs to position themselves within the global knowledge economy. Drawing on international case studies, he encouraged leaders to move beyond bureaucratic practices and adopt innovation as a mindset—repurposing economic incentives, leveraging digital tools, and co-producing solutions with communities. “Innovation is not about projects; it is a mindset and culture,” he noted, underscoring the need to view local governance as a series of strategic investments in people’s future.

Rounding out the day was The Basics of Local Legislation facilitated by Mr. Ronald R. Barcena. Anchoring his discussion on the Public Value Theorem, he reminded officials that every ordinance or resolution must create value citizens can recognize through trust, cooperation, and participation. By challenging councilors with practical questions and legal examples, he underscored that effective legislation requires institutional efficiency, a sound legislative cycle, and a clear grasp of development priorities. “Legislation is not paperwork—it is the lifeblood of local governance,” he stressed, pointing to the general welfare clause and the spirit of decentralization as the foundation of meaningful lawmaking.

Across all sessions, one message was clear: leadership in NCR goes beyond personal legacies—it is about building resilient systems, participatory processes, and governance that genuinely responds to people’s needs.