Newly Elected Officials (NEO)

      Focal: Michelle A. Espedido
      Alternate Focal: Rolando Navas, Jr.

As part of its mandate to strengthen local governance and build the capacities of local government units (LGUs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Local Government Academy (LGA), developed the Newly-Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program. This capacity development initiative is designed to support local officials elected during the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections as they assume office and begin serving their respective communities.

The NEO PLUS Program recognizes the vital role of local leaders in promoting good governance, improving public service delivery, and advancing local development. It serves as a comprehensive learning and development platform that equips newly elected officials (NEOs) with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively perform their duties and responsibilities throughout their three-year term.

The program covers all local officials elected in the May 12, 2025 elections, including Governors, Mayors, Vice Governors, Vice Mayors, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Bayan. Through a structured and continuing capacity development approach, NEO PLUS seeks to enhance leadership and governance capabilities while fostering a deeper understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by local government officials.

The NEO PLUS Program aims to improve the capacities of newly elected officials for enhanced leadership and policy-making performance, ultimately contributing to better service delivery and improved governance outcomes within their respective local government units. It is anchored on the belief that capable and informed local leaders are essential in building responsive, accountable, and development-oriented communities.

Specifically, the program aims to achieve several key outcomes throughout the three-year term of the newly elected officials. For Local Chief Executives, NEO PLUS seeks to strengthen leadership and management competencies that will enable them to improve their LGUs’ performance in local governance and local development indicators. By enhancing strategic leadership, decision-making, and management capabilities, local chief executives are better positioned to lead their organizations toward achieving development goals and delivering quality public services.

For members of the local Sanggunian, the program focuses on enhancing competencies in legislation and policy-making. Through strengthened knowledge and skills in governance, legislative procedures, and local development planning, Sanggunian members are better equipped to craft policies, enact ordinances, and support initiatives that contribute to effective local governance and sustainable development.

The program also highlights the important role of local government functionaries, particularly department heads and key technical personnel, in supporting the implementation of local governance and development initiatives. By strengthening their capacity to assist local chief executives and Sanggunian members, these functionaries contribute to improved service delivery, enhanced organizational performance, and the attainment of governance standards, including those identified under the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and other local development priorities.

Through the NEO PLUS Program, newly elected officials are provided with opportunities to strengthen their leadership, governance, and policy-making competencies. The program promotes effective local governance, improved public service delivery, and stronger collaboration among local government leaders and functionaries, ultimately contributing to responsive, inclusive, and sustainable local development.