Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged newly elected officials to join the 'enhanced' Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) aimed at fostering more efficient delivery of services. The NEO PLUS Program provides targeted training, education, and support for newly elected officials to govern effectively and responsibly, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a news release.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program is a three-year capacity development initiative designed to support local leaders throughout their term. Implemented through the DILG's Local Government Academy (LGA), it builds on the original NEO program but with a stronger emphasis on strategic leadership, policy reform, and responsive public service.
The DILG stated that the NEO PLUS program will be implemented in three phases focusing on the following topics: Accepting the Mandate and Embracing the Development Challenge - June to December 2025; Acting on the Mandate and Addressing the Development Challenge - January to December 2026; and Achieving Results and Embedding Gains - January 2027 to June 2028.
'NEO PLUS is anchored on three core components: unlocking strategic leadership and competencies, enhancing management systems and local policy, and strengthening service delivery through partnerships and innovation,' Remulla said. 'By the end of the program, local chief executives are expected to demonstrate improved leadership and governance performance, while Sanggunian members must show enhanced capabilities in legislation and policy-making to drive local development.'
The department also detailed that the program will be implemented through the Local Government Academy. The DILG announced that all newly elected officials are enjoined to participate in the Introductory Course on Strategic Leadership and Management, which will be conducted from July to August 2025. Reelected officials, meanwhile, are expected to undergo a refresher course as part of the program rollout.
