The newly elected officials of Olongapo City for the 2025–2028 term gathered on July 8, 2025, for an Executive Briefing on the State of Local Governance in Olongapo City. The event was held at the SMX Convention Center, SM City Central, Olongapo City, and served as a prep for the upcoming Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS): Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance – Refresher Course for Re-Elected Local Officials, scheduled from July 30 to August 1, 2025, in Clark, Pampanga.

Attending were City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Jr., City Vice Mayor Kaye Ann S. Legaspi, the ten regular members, three ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and all department heads of the City Government of Olongapo. The activity began with DILG Olongapo City Director Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva Jr., CESE, presenting an overview of the activity, outlining the objectives of the executive briefing, and emphasizing the rationale and significance of the day’s sessions. To foster rapport among participants, CD Villanueva also led a brief activity called “Human Bingo,” which enabled participants to get to know each other on a more personal level, helping to create a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere for the rest of the program.

In his message, CD Villanueva reminded the officials of their core responsibility by stating, “Leadership begins with love for the city and its people. When we lead with integrity and excellence, we raise the bar of governance for every Olongapeño.”

One of the highlights of the briefing was the presentation of the State of Local Governance Summary by the City Planning and Development Office. The presentation covered the current status, achievements, and urgent challenges across various governance sectors, particularly in social, economic, environmental, peace and order, financial, and institutional areas. The social governance discussion focused on key developments in health, social welfare, education, and youth and sports development. Simultaneously, the other presentations offered insights into the broader scope of city governance and service delivery.

In the afternoon session, participants took part in an interactive workshop led by CD Villanueva. The officials were divided into groups based on different governance sectors and were tasked with identifying priority issues and concerns that need to be addressed in this term. Using the earlier presented status reports, they also suggested corresponding recommendations and potential interventions to help develop responsive and results-oriented local government programs.

Mayor Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. emphasized in his message that the new term signifies a renewed commitment to public service. He shared that as he enters his final term as City Mayor, his administration will focus more on improving the city’s health and education systems. Vice Mayor Kaye Ann S. Legaspi, in her message of impression, expressed the strong resolve of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to work closely with the executive branch to better the lives of Olongapeños. She also noted that constituents can expect positive changes in the Office of the Vice Mayor and the operations of the City Council.

As the day ended, DILG Olongapo City encouraged the newly elected officials to actively participate in the upcoming NEO PLUS Refresher Course. The activity is designed to further equip local leaders with the knowledge, values, and leadership skills necessary to begin a new term rooted in accountability, innovation, and inclusive development.