The second day of the NEO PLUS Program, held on August 27, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City, featured thematic sectoral breakout discussions that explored various current and emerging policy areas. In particular, the second breakout session centered on social resilience and protection in NCR.

Project Officer EnP Lendl H. Meniado of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability commenced the first discussion by emphasizing the importance of strengthening social protection through partnerships. Meniado underscored that social resilience in communities thrives when rooted in inclusive governance and reinforced by collaborations with diverse organizations. She also highlighted ICLEI’s ongoing initiatives in sustainable urban development in NCR, including the Enhancing Local Capacities in Socially Inclusive Resilience in Asia (SIRA) Project.

The second lecture was delivered by Dir. Jose A. Descallar, Director of Stakeholders Engagement of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), who discussed the task force’s role in addressing armed struggles and ensuring peace and order in NCR. He detailed their flagship programs and upcoming initiatives, stressing the crucial role of local government officials in partnership with the NTF-ELCAC to advance good governance and improve public service delivery.

Atty. Nathaniel S. dela Rosa, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Acting Assistant Staff Service Chief for Legal Affairs Service, facilitated the final discussion. He outlined NAPOLCOM’s mandate in policy formulation and its oversight of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Atty. dela Rosa also elaborated on the legal framework governing the deputation of local chief executives (LCEs), including the conditions for suspension, withdrawal, or restoration.

Anchored on the theme “Sustaining Synergistic, Strategic, and Transformative Leadership,” the two-day NEO PLUS Urban Governance Course aimed to foster effective leadership transitions and strengthen the institutional capacities of newly elected officials toward sustainable urban development in NCR.