THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged newly elected local government officials to join the 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO Plus), a program designed to guide them in serving the public effectively and responsibly.
In a statement, the DILG said the NEO Plus Program, designed to support newly elected local leaders as they assume office and carry out their first 100 days, will be conducted free of charge, with no registration fees required.
“The DILG continues to urge newly elected leaders to take part in the NEO Plus Program to strengthen their leadership capacities, promote effective local governance, and ensure a responsive and citizen-centered public service,” the agency said.
The department said first-time governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, Sanggunian members, and designated local functionaries may join the training.
DILG field officers and LGU transition teams will conduct executive briefings for local government units starting July 1 as part of the program kick-off.
These briefings aim to equip newly elected officials with knowledge for the leadership transition process and to help them set priorities for their first 100 days in office.
The program also includes a Course on Strategic Leadership for Good Governance for first-time elected officials, while returning officials will undergo a refresher course on Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance.
The Local Government Academy (LGA) is currently completing training and orientation for capacity development managers across all 17 regions in preparation for the program rollout. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)