Written by: L. Boltiador & A. Balasabas | Photos by: J. Caluya

The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region IX (DILG IX) held an orientation and ceremonial send-off for Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) Apprentices – Batch 59 as they prepare to begin their Supervised Field Work (SFW).

The activity was graced by DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, who opened the event with an inspirational message, reminding apprentices of their crucial role in local governance and encouraging them to embrace their fieldwork with passion and integrity.

LGOO VII Alvin Rex M. Lucero, Chief, LGCDD, provided an overview of the SFW guidelines, outlining expectations and procedures.

A ceremonial send-off formally introduced each apprentice alongside their designated SFW Supervisors, marking the start of their hands-on learning journey. The apprentices will be deployed to various municipalities across the Zamboanga Peninsula, where they will be closely guided and mentored by experienced Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs), ensuring meaningful exposure to local governance practices.

The event concluded with a closing message from Assistant Regional Director Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, who encouraged the apprentices to remain committed, open to learning, and proactive in applying their training in real-world governance situations. His message served as a motivating send-off as Batch 59 begins their next chapter in the field.