San Fernando, Pampanga – "Everything that you do is beneficial to the Department. Your presence today is very important. It manifests your involvement, it manifests your passion to go on and implement the DILG programs, projects and activities."

These were the words of DILG Regional Director Julie J. Daquioag when she welcomed participants to the Regional Roll-Out on the Program for Newly Elected Officials (NEO). The activity – held last June 17, 2019 at Kingsborough International Convention Center – is a prelude to the implementation of the program at the provincial and city level, which focuses on building strategic leaders who will lead local government in becoming competitive, efficient and responsive institutions for development.
The NEO program, spearheaded by the Local Government Academy, adopts a holistic approach designed to prepare and train newly elected officials in the different areas of governance.
Following the creation of Local Governance Transition Teams as mandated in the DILG-issued Memorandum Circular No. 2019-39 to ensure the smooth transition of powers and responsibilities to the newly elected officials, NEOs are set to embark on a Basic Orientation seminar that will provide the foundation that will help them plan and formulate their first 100 Days Agenda and Executive/Legislative Development Commitment Agenda.
Meanwhile, DILG Field Officers from DILG Region 3 noted important reminders during the discussion particularly the crucial role of DILG in the monitoring and evaluation of the program.
Aside from the field officers, the activity was also attended by Provincial and City Directors, Cluster Team Leaders and Program Managers. Also present were, ARD Jay E. Timbreza as well as the division and assistant division chiefs of DILG's Capability Development Division and Monitoring and Evaluation Division.