Published on: October 31, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Zamboanga City – The Department of the Interior and Local Government IX is pleased to declare the formal inauguration of the Specialized Knowledge Institutes for Local Leadership (SKILL) Centers, a significant occasion that occurred at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City last October 24, 2023. 

The primary objective in setting up the SKILL Centers is to improve the technical expertise and knowledge of Local Government Unit (LGU) officials and staff, specifically in various aspects of local governance. Through encouraging collaboration and the exchange of knowledge among LGUs in the region, these centers are dedicated to encouraging the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches. It is anticipated that these initiatives will enhance the LGUs’ ability to efficiently design, execute, and oversee local development projects, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a robust and enduring local governance framework. 

Moreover, the SKILL Centers are regarded as a pivotal initiative in fostering a culture of ongoing learning and enhancement within the LGUs across the region. It is anticipated that their establishment will make a substantial contribution to the advancement and prosperity of Zamboanga Peninsula. Furthermore, these centers will play a supportive role in enabling the Local Governance Regional Resource Center to fulfill its primary function as the foremost center for learning in the realm of local governance in the region. 

Each SKILL Center is dedicated to specific aspects of local governance:

1. Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte focuses on enhancing Citizen Participation, which includes the establishment of the People’s Council.
2. Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur is dedicated to the implementation of programs aimed at safeguarding vulnerable segments of society.
3. Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur is focused on implementing practices that prioritize local development plans as the cornerstone for local investments. 
4. Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay is dedicated to the implementation of effective local legislation practices. 
5. Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte concentrates on establishing efficient response mechanisms for times of disasters. 
6. Isabela City, Basilan focuses on the creation of programs to stimulate local development through tourism. 
7. Zamboanga City emphasizes the establishment of effective barangay and data governance as the foundation for local development. 

The inauguration of these SKILL Centers represents a major achievement in the continuous endeavor to strengthen local governance in Zamboanga Peninsula. These centers are anticipated to assume a crucial role in providing LGUs with the essential knowledge and resources required to forge a more prosperous and resilient future for other communities.