Written By: Yanna Gabrielle I. Nasol | Photos By: Roseann C. Sumael & Yanna Gabrielle I. Nasol

July 2, 2026 | Pagadian City — Every transition in leadership is more than a change in office—it is a renewal of purpose. For the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX, the Turnover and Assumption Ceremony for Regional Director Pablio L. Benitez, Jr., PhD, CESO V signified the beginning of another journey in pursuing responsive, accountable, and transformative local governance across the region.

The ceremony gathered officials, partners, and members of the DILG family in a shared expression of support as Regional Director Benitez formally assumed the leadership of the Regional Office.

Joining the occasion were Hon. Henry S. Oaminal, Governor of the Province of Misamis Occidental and Chairperson of the RDCOM–Mindanao Area Committee, and Hon. Roseller Roy L. Ariosa, Vice Governor of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. Their presence reflected the close collaboration between DILG and local government leaders in advancing programs that empower communities and strengthen local institutions.

Also in attendance were several local officials from Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental, including Hon. Atty. Maria Kristina Jihan B. Glepa, Representative of the 1COOP Party-list; Hon. Atty. Henjie B. Estaño and Hon. Calvin Tito C. Decena, Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Occidental; Hon. Estella Obut-Estaño, Municipal Mayor of Tudela; and Hon. Tito B. Decina, City Vice Mayor of Tangub City.

The gathering also brought together representatives of DILG-attached agencies and partner institutions, namely Atty. Pablito M. Abad, Jr., Acting Regional Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM); FCSUPT Lucio P. Albarracin, DSC, Provincial Fire Marshal of the Bureau of Fire Protection–Zamboanga del Sur; JSSUPT Abner C. Zamora, Assistant Regional Director for Administration of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; PLTCOL Jonathan A. Yabo, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration of Police Regional Office 9; and Mae Razelle S. Mantos, State Auditor IV of the Commission on Audit.

Standing alongside the new Regional Director were Assistant Regional Director Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, the Provincial Directors, Division Chiefs, Cluster Heads, Program Managers, City and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, and personnel from the Regional and Provincial Offices—demonstrating the unity and solidarity that continue to define the DILG Region IX family.

More than the formal transfer of responsibilities, the ceremony reflected the Department’s continuing pursuit of excellence in public service. It served as a reminder that leadership is sustained not only by those entrusted to lead, but also by the collective dedication of every member of the organization and the enduring partnerships forged with local governments and partner agencies.

As Regional Director Benitez assumes his new role, DILG Region IX looks ahead with confidence and a shared resolve to further strengthen local governance, uphold public trust, and deliver programs that create meaningful impact in every community across the region.

With every voyage comes new horizons to explore. Guided by capable leadership and united by a common purpose, DILG Region IX carries forward its enduring symbol—the vinta—moving together with resilience, collaboration, and hope.

Padayon sa Paglayag, Rehiyon Nueve!