DILG urges poll winners: Strengthen local governance

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged all newly elected local officials to participate in the 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing local governance in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

Implemented through the DILG’s Local Government Academy (LGA), the NEO PLUS Program is an enhanced three-year capacity development program designed to support local leaders throughout their term.

It builds upon the original NEO program with a stronger focus on strategic leadership, policy reform and responsive public service.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier encouraged participation in the program, which provides targeted training, education and support for newly elected officials to govern effectively and responsibly.

The NEO PLUS program is built on three core components — unlocking strategic leadership and competencies; enhancing management systems and local policy; and strengthening service delivery through partnerships and innovation. It will be implemented in three phases: “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).

By the program’s conclusion, local chief executives are expected to demonstrate improved leadership and governance performance, while legislative body members should show enhanced capabilities in legislation and policymaking to drive local development.

The DILG also announced that all newly elected officials are encouraged to participate in the Introductory Course on Strategic Leadership and Management, slated for July to August 2025. Re-elected officials are expected to undergo a refresher course as part of the program rollout.