The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) formally commenced the 2026 Human Resource Development: Local Governance Enhancement and Administrative Development Series (HRD LEADS) toward Technical Excellence and Transformative Governance Program through the conduct of Session 1 on May 28, 2026, at the DILG-NCR Regional Office in North Avenue, Quezon City.
Facilitated by DILG Pasay Field Office City Director Atty. Cherry P. Canda-Melodias, CESO V, the session apprised Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) and other Regional and Field Office personnel of the general powers and attributes of local government units (LGUs) under Book I, Title I, Chapter II of the Local Government Code of 1991.
To reinforce the practical relevance of the discussion, Atty. Canda-Melodias presented various jurisprudence and DILG Opinions that guide the application of Local Government Code provisions relating to the general welfare clause, basic service delivery, resource generation and utilization, governmental and proprietary powers, eminent domain, and corporate powers of LGUs.
Complementing the learning session, Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Assistant Chief Maria Jasmin D. Diaz discussed the certification policy and reminded LGOOs who joined onsite to complete the requirements for possible inclusion in the pool of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for local governance.
In his closing remarks, DILG Quezon City Field Office City Director Emmanuel D. Borromeo, CESO V, underscored the importance of a strong understanding of the legal foundations of local governance, emphasizing the DILG’s critical role in ensuring that local government powers are exercised responsibly and in accordance with existing laws and the principles of good governance. He likewise encouraged the participants to apply the lessons and insights gained from the session in delivering responsive and legally sound assistance to LGUs.
The 2026 HRD LEADS Program is a flagship initiative of LGCDD and the Capacity Development Facility of the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC), aimed at strengthening the capacity of DILG-NCR personnel to provide accurate guidance, uphold compliance, and serve as credible knowledge brokers for LGUs across the region.