The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII conducted the Orientation Course: Priming Leaders for Effective Local Governance to all Re-elected Municipal Mayors, the second component of the Program for Newly Elected Officials (NEO), on August 1-3, 2019 at the East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City. The participants were the re-elected mayors of the following Municipalities of Aleosan, Arakan, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, Alabel, Malungon, Maitum, Banga, Polomolok, Surallah, Sto. Niño, Tantangan, T’boli, Bagumbayan, Isulan, Pres. Quirino, and Senator Ninoy Aquino.                                                              

RD Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO V on her Opening Message gave emphasis about the main objective of President Duterte before the end of his term- ang mamuhay ang mga Pilipino sa isang bansang payapa at maunlad, at nararamdaman ng bawat mamamayan ang pagginhawa ng kanilang mga buhay. She also encouraged the participants to be the epitome of the President’s banner line, Tapang at Malasakit – a perfect balance of leaders who are stern and committed to law enforcement at the same time with a heart to prioritize the welfare of the people. She also emphasized that participants need to prioritize their mandated plans and strengthen their local special bodies. Lastly, she reminded them that the most important Leadership Principle is setting the example.

The objective of the activity was to enhance the competencies of NEOs in carrying out their tasks as leaders in community development while promoting peace and resilience towards inclusive and sustainable development. The modules were discussed by the resource persons from DILG, NICA XII, AFP, PDEA XII, OCD XII, CHD-DOH XII, DICT XII and SKSU. 

As an output of the activity, the participants were required to craft their First 100 Days Plan and Executive Agenda, which will serve as their roadmap towards the attainment of their Vision in their three-year journey as the leaders of their communities.