ILOILO City – With newly elected mayors and governors now assuming office, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has released a comprehensive guide designed to help local chief executives (LCEs) in Western Visayas make the most of their first 100 days in office — a crucial period widely regarded as the cornerstone for setting governance tone, policy direction, and public trust.
The guide, adapted from the Local Government Academy’s (LGA) 6th Edition 2022 Guide for Mayors and Governors, was released on July 1, a day after the new LCEs officially assumed office at noon of June 30.
It lays out detailed and actionable steps in three major phases: transition, mobilization, and budgeting — all aimed at helping local leaders hit the ground running.
“Your first 100 days are more than just a countdown – they are your opportunity to set clear goals, build strong teams, and show your people that real change starts now,” the DILG-6 emphasized.
FOR MAYORS
Transition Phase:
Mayors are advised to first review the Local Government Code, laws, and DILG issuances to fully understand the scope of their powers and limitations.
Forming a transition team of trusted advisers and organizing their offices efficiently are also top priorities.
An immediate staffing analysis and a financial review of their local government unit (LGU) are recommended.
Mobilization Phase:
Mayors must strengthen ties with barangays, reconstitute Local Special Bodies, and personally inspect LGU offices and facilities.
Special focus should be given to compliance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB-EGSD) Act.
Coordination with department heads, the city or municipal council, and stakeholders is vital to build a working governance structure.
Budgeting Phase:
For municipalities, a short-term action plan and a properly aligned executive budget should be prepared.
For cities, reviewing the Annual Investment Program (AIP), delivering on doable commitments, and finalizing the budget before the October 16 deadline are highlighted.
FOR GOVERNORS
The guide stresses that the first 100 days of a governor’s term are “a critical opportunity to evaluate ongoing projects, engage with stakeholders, and implement essential reforms.”
Transition Phase:
Governors are urged to read constitutional and legal references, organize their executive office with competent personnel, and form a solid transition team.
Familiarization with department heads and establishing rapport with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are emphasized to facilitate legislative support.
Budgeting Phase:
Governors are expected to implement already planned and funded projects while actively communicating their agenda through public engagement and media platforms.
They are also urged to prioritize transparency and early delivery of programs.
Mobilization Phase:
New provincial leaders must build relationships with key stakeholders including municipal mayors, security forces, business leaders, and national government agencies.
Reconstituting Local Special Bodies and strengthening peace and order mechanisms are also part of the immediate agenda.
FOR SANGGUNIAN MEMBERS
The DILG-6 also issued a separate LGA checklist for members of the Sangguniang Bayan, recognizing their role in shaping local development.
Key points for their first six months include knowing legal duties, organizing committees, filing Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), reviewing past ordinances, and helping formulate the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA).
The issuance of these guides by DILG-6, under the supervision of Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, reflects the department’s intent to professionalize and standardize governance practices across local governments in Western Visayas.
By equipping mayors, governors, and legislators with these tools, DILG aims to create a culture of informed, responsive, and strategic leadership in the region — starting with day one./PN
