Written by: Meredel Fe P. Fullo

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX is collaborating with Dapitan City to establish a Specialized Knowledge Institute on Local Leadership (SKILL) Center in the local government unit, aiming to strengthen governance and innovation in the region.

Representatives from the DILG IX, the City’s Tourism, Licensing, and Management Information Systems Office, and the City Administrator participated in the discussions, spearheaded by the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC).

The LGRRC Coordinator provided an overview of the LGRRC and its role in promoting local governance excellence. The session included a detailed discussion on how LGUs can establish their own knowledge center and become part of a wider network of knowledge-sharing and leadership development. This initiative aims to guide Dapitan City in identifying its niche for the proposed SKILL Center.

The meeting exchanges focused on the city’s potential to specialize in e-governance through smart initiatives and its promotion as a “City Heritage,” rooted in the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal. The Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) Coordinator outlined the steps for creating such a center and its benefits in fostering leadership and innovation.

Stakeholders affirmed their support for Dapitan City to become the Zamboanga Peninsula’s 8th SKILL Center, strengthening its position as a hub for governance and heritage.