DILG to hold basic orientation training for 559 first-time govs, mayors

A total of 559 first-time governors and city and municipal mayors are expected to join the basic orientation training program for newly minted local officials to be conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Outgoing Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said the ‘Basic Orientation: The First 100 Days’ is part of the long-running Newly-elected Officials (NEO) Program of the DILG through its training arm, the Local Government Academy (LGA) which is a term-based, comprehensive Capacity Development Program for local governments.

Sarmiento said the activity, which will be held throughout June and July 2016, is the Department’s first response to the need of new local leaders for guidance to jumpstart their governance journey.

“With the aid of the very best practitioners in various aspects of governance, the DILG-LGA aims to invigorate the minds and passions of the participating local leaders in their first 100 days in office and beyond,” he said.

By the end of the training, participants are expected to complete their First 100 Days Calendar and their respective development commitment agenda.

LGA Executive Director Marivel Sacendoncillo said the training orientation will maximize various learning methods like interactive lectures, group discussions, problem solving and solution seeking sessions on thematic areas, and field visits for a more holistic learning experience.

Among the topics to be discussed are governance and decentralization, Duties Responsibilities and Accountabilities of elected local officials, strategic management, leadership, climate change and disaster management, local economic development, crisis management, and peace and order, among others.

“Through the NEO program, we aim to build strategic leaders who will guide their local governments in becoming competitive, efficient, and responsive leaders geared towards greater development,” said Sacendoncillo.

She also assured that re-elected local officials, as well as local legislative officials, will not be left out as the DILG Regional and Field Officers will conduct similar skills development trainings corresponding to their learning needs. (DILG)