Bacolod City officials led by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella, joined the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program this week.
The initiative, designed to strengthen local governance through strategic leadership and accountability, marks a collaborative effort to enhance public service delivery across the city.
DILG-Bacolod City Director Christian Nagaynay spearheaded the event, which also saw participation from members of the Bacolod City Council, department heads, and special guests including Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go and City Administrator Mark Mayo.
The NEO PLUS Program, a three-year capacity development initiative under the DILG’s Local Government Academy, focuses on empowering local officials through advanced training in strategic leadership, legislative efficiency, and service delivery, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said.
Tailored for both newly elected and re-elected officials, the program aims to foster innovation in governance while reinforcing ethical standards, it said.
The newly elected officials will undergo an Introductory Course on Strategic Leadership and Management from July to August 2025, while re-elected leaders will participate in a refresher course to align with updated best practices.
The inclusion of department heads underscores the city’s holistic approach to institutional development, ensuring seamless coordination across all governance tiers.
“Despite the years of experience we all bring to the table, may we find new strength, purpose, and meaning as we continue to serve the people of Bacolod,” Gasataya said, highlighting the program’s role in bridging governance gaps and fostering a culture of excellence.*