DILG: Over 1,000 new local officials complete mandatory good governance training
By Chito Chavez
A total of 1,045 local government units (LGUs) have completed the required good governance training for newly-elected local officials so far with briefings currently being conducted in 17 regions nationwide, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stated.
In a statement, the DILG stressed that the “Executive Briefing for Newly Elected Officials (NEOs)’’ is part of the strong push to uphold good governance, accountability and seamless leadership transition.
The DILG shared that a key tool featured in the briefings is the Governance Assessment Report (GAR), which helps local leaders identify performance gaps and set priority areas for their administration.
Through its regional and field offices, the DILG said that the initiative will include the participation of newly-elected governors, mayors, vice-mayors and sanggunian members.
Further, the DILG noted that the sessions aim to enhance local governance during the critical first 100 days in office as the briefing equips the officials with the knowledge, tools and strategic pathways necessary to lead with integrity, transparency and purpose.
The sessions include evidence-based insights, local governance diagnostics, and context-specific recommendations tailored to each Local Government Unit (LGU).
“Local Governance Transition Teams (LGTTs) facilitate the orientation of newly elected officials, oversee the inventory of local government properties, manage the turn-over process, and prepare the Final Transition Report. These efforts support the national directive to make LGUs more accountable, responsive, and future ready,’’ the DILG explained.
The DILG pointed out the Executive Briefing also serves as the formal entry point to the three-year NEO Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program, which provides strategic leadership and management training to new and returning officials from July to August 2025.
The DILG stressed that the program reaffirms its commitment to support the President's agenda of empowering local governments, fostering responsive and effective governance and building stronger institutions across all levels of government.