21/03/2026
March 13, 2026 | The DILG Valenzuela Field Office conducted the CY 2026 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for the Uplifting Service (NEO-PLUS) Program: Capacitating the Local Legislators of the City of Valenzuela Towards Effective Local Legislation at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.
“Public office is a public trust,” City Director Sudi G. Valencia, CESO V, mentioned, as she highlighted the vital role of local legislation in advancing good governance. She further underscored that by equipping the entire legislative office with advanced skills in drafting and documentation, Valenzuela ensures that its local government operates with the professional precision necessary to effectively serve its constituents.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian, in his message of support, emphasized that the strong harmony between the executive and legislative branches of the city remains one of Valenzuela’s key strengths in delivering basic services and sustaining its progress as a premier city in the National Capital Region.
Director Ronald R. Barcena, Private Sector Representative from the Social Housing Finance Corporation, served as the Resource Speaker for this program. He discussed the fundamentals in legislative process, including local legislation procedures; the importance of establishing efficient institutional mechanisms; local legislation as a participatory process; administrative investigations; and the common issues encountered in the sanggunian.
Vice Mayor Marlon Paolo "Idol" Alejandrino, who was present during the activity, expressed his sincere appreciation for the opportunity to further enhance the capacities of Valenzuela’s local legislators. Valenzuela, recognized both locally and internationally for its innovative and trailblazing ordinances, continues to advance responsive and forward-thinking legislation tailored to the needs of its constituents.
Also in attendance were the City Councilors from both districts of Valenzuela, along with their respective legislative staff.
The DILG Valenzuela Field Office likewise expressed its sincere gratitude to Dr. Michville Rivera, Dean of the College of Public Administration and Governance of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, for the institution’s generosity and support in strengthening local legislation in the City of Valenzuela.