ILOILO City – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas is stepping up efforts to strengthen citizen participation, empower youth leaders and promote greater accountability among local government officials through a monthlong series of activities marking the 35th Local Government Month this October.
Moving beyond the traditional celebration of local government achievements, DILG Region 6 is bringing together elected officials, local legislators, barangay leaders, civil society organizations and young people in activities designed to encourage more transparent, innovative and responsive governance across the region.
The celebration carries the regional theme, “Lokal na Pamahalaan at Pamayanan: Strengthening Partnerships for Open, Innovative, and Responsive Local Governance.”
DILG-6 said the activities throughout October will highlight the importance of cooperation between government institutions and communities in improving public service delivery and strengthening democratic participation at the grassroots level.
Among the major highlights is the Sanggunian: Local Legislative Parliamentary Derby, which runs from October 5 to 30 and seeks to showcase the legislative capabilities of local government councils.
The competition is divided into three categories based on the classification of participating local government units.
Component cities and capital towns competed on October 5 and 6, while third- and fourth-class municipalities are scheduled for October 8 and 9.
First- and second-class municipalities will compete on October 15 and 16, with the awarding ceremony set for October 30.
Another major activity is “Mic-on: A Youth Discourse on Local Governance,” which provides young people with a platform to discuss governance issues and demonstrate their understanding of public administration and community development.
The competition opened with elimination rounds on October 6, followed by the semifinals on October 13 and the championship round on October 26.
Youth empowerment will receive further attention on October 21 with the launching of the Sangguniang Kabataan Local Governance Resource Hub, an initiative intended to support youth participation in local governance.
Civil society participation will also take center stage during the Civil Society Organization Caravan and Local People’s Council Forum on October 20 and 21.
These activities are expected to provide opportunities for community organizations and local government representatives to strengthen partnerships and encourage greater public involvement in local decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Day Fun Run will be held on October 11 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds, bringing together participants in a community-oriented activity commemorating the occasion.
A Development Talk, or DEV TALK, is scheduled for October 19, followed by the 2026 Local Governance Quiz and an Infrastructure Exhibit on October 26.
The monthlong celebration will also recognize outstanding contributions to grassroots peacekeeping, dispute resolution and local governance.
On October 27, DILG-6 will hold the 2026 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards and the 2026 Search for the Outstanding Barangay Tanod Regional Awarding Ceremony.
The awards recognize the contributions of barangay justice mechanisms and community peacekeepers in maintaining peace and order and resolving disputes at the local level.
Also scheduled for October 27 are the Subaybayani Awards, which form part of the regional celebration’s recognition activities./PN
