Undergo enhancement leadership training, DILG urges newly-elected officials
By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) prodded on Thursday, June 5, the newly elected local officials nationwide to participate in the 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program as directed by the enhanced local governance policy of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
Implemented through the DILG’s Local Government Academy (LGA), the enhanced NEO PLUS Program is a three-year capacity development initiative designed to support local leaders throughout their term.
“It builds on the original NEO program but with stronger emphasis on strategic leadership, policy reform and responsive public service,’’ the DILG noted.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla urged participation in the NEO PLUS Program, which provides targeted training, education and support for newly elected officials to govern effectively and responsibly.
The DILG explained that the NEO PLUS is anchored on three core components: unlocking strategic leadership and competencies, enhancing management systems and local policy and strengthening service delivery through partnerships and innovation.
Further, the DILG said that it will be implemented in three phases namely “Accepting the Mandate and Embracing the Development Challenge (June to December 2025); Acting on the Mandate and Addressing the Development Challenge (January to December 2026); and Achieving Results and Embedding Gains (January 2027 to June 2028).’’
At the end of the program, the DILG stated that the local chief executives are expected to demonstrate improved leadership and governance performance, while the sanggunian members must show enhanced capabilities in legislation and policy-making to drive local development.
The DILG also announced that all newly elected officials are enjoined to participate in the Introductory Course on Strategic Leadership and Management, which will be conducted from July to August 2025.
The DILG stressed that the re-elected officials are expected to undergo a refresher course as part of the program rollout.