Lucena City officials undergo DILG's transformative leadership training

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Lucena City Mayor Kuya Mark Alcala (center) and Vice Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala (left) join other city council m...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Lucena City Mayor Kuya Mark Alcala (center) and Vice Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala (left) join other city council members and officials from Quezon province at the DILG’s NEO PLUS program in Tagaytay City.(Lucena City PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon —To sharpen their skills in public service, Lucena City's newly-elected and re-elected officials recently concluded a three-day training. The event, part of the DILG's NEO PLUS program held from July 28 to 30 in Tagaytay City, focused on enhancing the leadership capabilities of local officials across the province.

"We are committed to putting our best foot forward for the people of Lucena," said Mayor Kuya Mark Alcala, who led the delegation from the city. The group also included Vice Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala and the full membership of the 20th Sangguniang Panlungsod.



Dubbed “Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance,” the DILG's refresher course for re-elected officials is a key component of the three-year NEO PLUS program. This initiative, implemented through the DILG's Local Government Academy (LGA), is designed to support local leaders throughout their term.

It places a strong emphasis on strategic leadership, policy reform, and responsive public service. The program is anchored on three core components: unlocking strategic leadership and competencies, enhancing management systems and local policy, and strengthening service delivery through partnerships and innovation.

The NEO PLUS program aims to improve the leadership and governance performance of local chief executives and enhance the legislative and policymaking capabilities of Sanggunian members. This training is a crucial step in equipping LGU Lucena's leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver a higher level of service and strengthen the city's future.

Among the councilors who participated were Danny Faller, Americo Lacerna, Wilbert Mckinly Noche, Patrick Norman Nadera, Benito Brizuela, Jr., Jose Christian Ona, Elizabeth Sio, Ryan Caezar Alcala, Rhaetia Marie Abcede-Llaga, and Dr. Edwin J. Pureza. The training was not exclusive to Lucena City, as it brought together other elected officials from various local government units in Quezon province, led by Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan.