CLARK FREEPORT, PAMPANGA – JUNE 9, 2025 — The Local Government Academy (LGA), in partnership with the DILG Regional Office III, officially commenced the NEO PLUS Program: Orientation for Training Managers in Region III.

This post-election undertaking underscores the Department’s commitment to providing sustained and responsive support to LGUs, particularly as newly elected officials begin their governance journeys. The activity seeks to deepen the shared understanding and appreciation of DILG Regional and Field Officers regarding capacity development interventions for LGUs, with special emphasis on the Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program. Through this initiative, the DILG ensures that its field offices are well-equipped to assist LGUs in navigating the evolving demands of local governance.

“We believe the NEO PLUS Program will serve as a springboard for our new leaders, empowering them not just to assume office but to actively perform leadership that truly makes a difference,” DILG Regional Office III Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III, stressed as he welcomed the key capacity development managers of the region.

The orientation aims to describe the priority capacity development activities planned for LGUs over the next three years; apply the Refresher Course design and content for re-elected NEOs; utilize an analytical framework to help prioritize LGU capacity development needs; adopt effective approaches in managing executive briefings for NEOs at the local level; and draft a preliminary action plan to guide the preparation and implementation of activities at the regional level.

The day’s sessions began with an in-depth discussion on the Capacity Development (CapDev) Programs for the DILG and LGUs, as well as the LGA Program Implementation Guide and Fund Support, led by Mr. Raymond James T. De Castro. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation on the NEO PLUS Program Framework and a Refresher Course for Re-Elected Officials by Ms. Maria Louisa B. Bite, which covered course design, content, evaluation tools, and marketing guidelines. Ms. Bite also introduced the CapDev Managers Toolkit, highlighting the roll-out process, training phases, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Later in the day, Ms. Euly Q. Enrique facilitated a session on identifying the capacity development needs of LGUs. The first day concluded with a summary of key learnings and important announcements.

On the second day, the focus shifted to communication strategies and stakeholder engagement. The day began with opening preliminaries led by Mr. Santiago Nikola R. Samson, followed by a session on current DILG practices in communicating the State of Local Governance (SLG), where Mr. Ricky S. Dimailig shared both national and regional insights. He also facilitated an orientation on executive briefings for the NEOs and discussed LGU performance through the lens of the DILG. This was followed by an interactive workshop on enhancing persuasion skills, specifically on how to effectively pitch the State of Local Governance. In the afternoon, participants engaged in a hands-on action planning session to develop localized, data-informed strategies for governance improvement.

This initiative is part of the DILG and LGA’s shared commitment to capacitate LGUs as they commence their new governance journey, fulfill their mandates, and advance sustainable local development.