CAPIZ – Over a hundred local officials from 13 municipalities and one city in Capiz participated in the NEO PLUS: Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance training, which opened on October 13 at the JR Hall of Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City.
Organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy (LGA), in partnership with the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) Region VI Chapter, the three-day capacity-building activity was designed for newly elected and re-elected local officials, including mayors, vice mayors, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan. Participating local government units (LGUs) included Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Maayon, Mambusao, Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, President Roxas, Roxas City, Sapian, and Sigma.
In his keynote message, Gov. Fredenil H. Castro emphasized the importance of genuine leadership, integrity, and public service. Drawing inspiration from the Panatang Makabayan, the governor urged officials to prioritize their duties above personal interests.
“If you engrave the Panatang Makabayan in your heart, you will be true in your service to your people. When duty outweighs personal interest, you will never fear facing your constituents,” he said.
The opening of the training was followed by an exhibit and networking lounge, where partner national government agencies showcased key programs and services to participating LGUs. Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO VI, provided an overview of the NEO PLUS Program, while Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III, highlighted the value of inclusive dialogue, openness to change, and a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability as foundations of transformative governance.
The day concluded with the LGU Vision Board activity, led by LGOO VII Medel M. Espinosa, Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division, encouraging participants to creatively envision and articulate development goals for their respective localities. A booth tour and networking session capped the day, fostering collaboration and reinforcing the collective pursuit of people-centered, responsive, and effective local governance.
The NEO PLUS program aims to strengthen leadership capacity among local officials, promoting transformative governance that is accountable, innovative, and centered on the needs of the community.
Attending officials included VMLP Region VI Chapter President Vice Mayor Arvin L. Losaria of Lambunao, Iloilo, and several Capiz mayors led by LMP Capiz Chapter president Mayor Raymond Malapajo of Maayon./PN
