Key officials of Bacolod City, led by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, joined the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program this week, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The initiative, designed to strengthen local governance through strategic leadership and accountability, marks a collaborative effort to enhance public service delivery across the city.
DILG-Bacolod City Director Christian Nagaynay spearheaded the event, which saw participation from members of the Bacolod City Council, department heads, and special guests including STTM Marty Go and City Administrator Mark Mayo.
OVERVIEW
The NEO PLUS Program, a three-year capacity development initiative under the DILG’s Local Government Academy, focuses on empowering local officials through advanced training in strategic leadership, legislative efficiency, and service delivery. Tailored for newly elected and reelected officials, the program aims to foster innovation in governance while reinforcing ethical standards.
Gasataya emphasized the initiative’s significance in his address, “Thank you to the DILG for facilitating this meaningful program. I hope that through this activity, we gain a renewed perspective in governance.”
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Newly elected officials will undergo an Introductory Course on Strategic Leadership and Management from July to August 2025, while reelected leaders will participate in a refresher course to align with updated best practices. The inclusion of department heads underscores the city’s holistic approach to institutional development, ensuring seamless coordination across all governance tiers.
LOOKING AHEAD
By equipping leaders with tools for policy development, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, the NEO PLUS Program seeks to position Bacolod as a model of progressive local governance. The initiative aligns with Gasataya’s broader agenda to prioritize transparency, citizen engagement, and sustainable development.*
