CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “Leadership is not just a position, but a responsibility. Let this program be a reminder to lead with purpose and for the people, and to always serve with compassion, not for personal gain.”
Thus, Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda urged local officials to embrace a style of leadership anchored in purpose, unity, and public service in her speech at the Leadership, Ethics, Accountability, and Development (L.E.A.D.) Program held at the Kingborough International Convention Center here on Aug. 5.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Pampanga, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the L.E.A.D. Program seeks to enhance the leadership capacity of local officials by strengthening their understanding of ethical governance, accountability, legislative functions, and development-oriented leadership.
Also present during the program were Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, sangguniang panlalawigan members, mayors and vice mayors from various cities and municipalities, as well as members of the sangguniang bayan and sangguniang panlungsod across the province.
In her message, the governor also reiterated her call for unity among public servants regardless of political affiliations.
DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, who also graced the event, lauded Governor Nanay. “That’s the mindset of a true leader,” he said, commending her efforts to promote unity among local leaders.
Iringan also reminded the participants that public officials are not above the people, but rather among them, and that they are entrusted with the duty to remain present, available, and responsive to the needs of their constituents.
Discussed during the program were various topics crucial to local governance, including ethical leadership in public service as presented by the Civil Service Commission; the role of local government units in the anti-illegal drugs campaign by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency; environmental responsibility in local legislation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 878 by the Provincial Legal Office; and local legislation and the functions of standing committees discussed by the DILG.
Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
