BAGUIO CITY – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla sent off seventy (70) Local Government Operations Officers (LGOO) who completed the Apprenticeship Program for LGOOs II and III under Batch 58 on March 25, 2025 in this mountain resort city.
Secretary Remulla formally confirmed the graduates acknowledging their readiness to serve the country and the Filipino people as dedicated public servants and as full-fledged LGOOs.
Addressing the graduates that completed their 160 day-long training, he emphasized their crucial role in empowering local communities and promoting good governance.
“As you embark on your journey as public servants, remember that you are the backbone of local governance. Your work will directly impact the lives of ordinary Filipinos, and your dedication to excellence will shape the future of our communities,” Secretary Remulla said.
The DILG chief also underscored the significance of integrity, competence, and reliability and how these must also be imbued in our local government units’ quest for good local governance.
“Uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and service above all. You are not just filling a position, you are empowering change at the local level,” he added.
Secretary Remulla also shared key updates on critical reforms within the Department, including the reprogramming of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), improving efficiency of LGUs by lessening administrative burdens, and introducing new frameworks geared towards promoting fiscal management, disaster resiliency, and innovation. He also shared the DILG’s plans of providing incentives to LGUs that obtain ISO certification.
On local governance reforms, the Secretary called for a more professionalized process in investigating and addressing local government disputes, advocating for the DILG to handle such cases instead of local political bodies. He also proposed extending the term of local officials from three to six years to allow for more sustainable and long-term governance initiatives.
While acknowledging the challenges of implementing these reforms, Remulla assured the graduates that the DILG shall remain committed to strengthening its internal operations and fostering a governance framework that is more responsive, accountable, and resilient.
He urged the graduates of Batch 58 – Kasiyana to uphold the principles of good governance and to serve their communities with the excellence and dedication they have been trained for.
“Kasiyana”, a concept that traces its roots in Kankanaey culture, roughly translates to, “All is well and hope is alive.” This resonates with the latest batch of LGOOs’ steadfast faith in serving and empowering local communities. By FFP
