Written by: Y. Nasol | Photos by: Y. Nasol / J. Desierto / A. Bandar / L. Romero

Maimbung, Sulu — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX, in partnership with the Local Government Academy (LGA) and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Sulu, successfully conducted the NEO PLUS: Strategic Leadership for Good Governance – Introductory Course for Newly-Minted Officials on October 7–8, 2025, at the Maimbung Gymnasium. Hosted by the Provincial Government of Sulu and the Municipal Government of Maimbung, the two-day activity aimed to strengthen the leadership foundation of new local officials through a series of thematic learning modules.

The training gathered local leaders from Sulu to participate in discussions designed to deepen their understanding of governance principles, decentralization, and public administration. The sessions featured resource speakers, who shared insights on topics such as local governance excellence, economic growth, resilience building, and strategic management for sustainable development.

Highlights of the program included sessions on Governance for Leaders of Tomorrow, Jumpstarting Local Government Leadership, Public Administration Toolkit, and Transformative Leadership in Action. These sessions emphasized the importance of evidence-based planning, participatory governance, and futures thinking in local administration. Participants also engaged in workshops and board activities designed to apply their learnings through collaborative planning and practical exercises.

The event concluded with a closing message from Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, OIC-Regional Director of DILG Region IX, commended the active participation of the newly elected officials and emphasized the role of local leadership in driving inclusive and sustainable development. The activity marked another milestone for the Province of Sulu in its continuing transition toward strengthened local governance and regional integration.