DLSU-D launches B-LEAD program to empower local leaders

De La Salle University – Dasmarinas (DLSU-D) School of Governance, Public Service, and Corporate Leadership (SGPSCL) launches its executive program titled Barangay Leadership: Ethics, Accountability, and Development (B-LEAD), in collaboration with government institutions to strengthen the leadership capabilities of barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan (SK) officials.

 

Formally inaugurated last April 26 at the Ayuntamiento de Gonzalez (AdG), the program aims to equip local leaders with knowledge to uplift their communities and uphold integrity, ensuring that all resources are managed with honesty, transparency, and accountability. 

The event was comprised of a talk from keynote speaker Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Undersecretary of Operations Gerald Divinagracia, with messages of support from Local Government Academy’s (LGA) Executive Director Thelma Vecina, CESO III, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IV-A’s Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, who was represented by cluster head Nencita Costelo, and Director III of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office IV Radne Jomuad.

 

The role of a barangay to a bigger whole

In her opening remarks, Officer in Charge President and Provost Dr. Cristina Salibay highlighted the essence of a barangay, saying, “The barangay is not only the smallest government unit. It is the bedrock of community life,” to reiterate how the program’s participants are at the heart of the initiative. 

Meanwhile, in a message of support, Divinagarcia highlighted the essence of accountability, noting, “Accountability is not a burden; it is a badge of honor… Ang inyong mga nasasakupan ay nakatingin, hindi para manghusga, ngunit para umasa… This is why B-Lead exists.” 

He also emphasized that the program is created not just to train, but to transform.

On the other hand, Costelo highlighted the importance of ethical leadership in ushering barangay developments during her message, noting, “When you serve the barangay with your heart, your compassion for the people naturally follows. You cannot truly serve the barangay and prioritize the welfare of the people if you do not have the heart for it.”

Meanwhile, Vecina added that the state of a barangay mirrors the state of the whole country, emphasizing that a small government unit plays a big role in shaping the country’s entirety.

 

The forum proper

After the speeches, a fireside chat and open forum took place, where the panelists answered several questions from the audience.

Divinagarcia noted the importance of ensuring quality in terms of products and services, citing citizens’ consciousness, which should encourage them to maximize their performance.

When asked about challenges in ethical leadership, Jomuad shared, “If you’re well-informed [at] alam mo [ang] mga dapat mong gawin, marami kang magagawa.”

The call for strong and ethical leadership at the grassroots level was further emphasized by Dr. Rommel Mazo, Head of the SGPSCL, during the launch. He stated, “Public office is a public trust. Our government officials are there in their positions because the people trust them,” implying that when the public government shows accountability and integrity, the people will gain trust.

 

About B-LEAD

Beyond their objective, B-LEAD also serves as an extension of the Barangay Leaders for Accountable Governance (BALAG) program, which held its final launching in the province of Cavite with participation from selected barangay officials and supported by volunteer instructors from the DILG and the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MSAC). 

B-LEAD is also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which seeks to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. This goal reflects the vision of the ARTA, which works to enforce the law and enable transformation across all levels of government, starting with the barangay. 

Furthermore, the said executive program supports the goals of Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision for the Philippines created by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), where all Filipinos can enjoy a life of security, opportunity, and dignity. 

DILG also aligns with B-LEAD with the mandate of the LGA and the entire executive branch to capacitate local governments to become partners in national governance.

 

DLSU-D shares this mission, working alongside local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Army, and other government agencies to fulfill the shared responsibility of governance in hopes of a shift in mindset and a significant improvement in the delivery of public service. 

 

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The B-LEAD program is headed by Dr. Mazo, who proposed the idea of capacity development for barangay and SK officials, emphasizing accountability, ethics, and sustainability in public service.