MANILA — On March 12, 2026, former Dumaguete City Mayor Atty. Felipe Antonio “Ipe” Remollo delivered the keynote address at the convocation ceremony of the Leadership and Governance (LeGo) Fellowship Program for Mayors. This significant event took place at Ibis Styles Manila, Araneta Cubao, Quezon City, marking the conclusion of an intensive seven-month fellowship aimed at strengthening participatory governance across various local government units in the Philippines.
Overview of the LeGo Fellowship Program
The LeGo Fellowship Program for Mayors is a premier training initiative organized by the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation (JMRF) in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines. It focuses on enhancing the leadership skills and governance capacities of local chief executives through a curriculum that emphasizes the principles of “Matino, Mahusay, at May Puso,” which translates to being sensible, excellent, and compassionate.
Organizers note that the fellowship promotes not only personal development among mayors but also aims to foster a culture of citizen participation in local governance. The program is a vehicle to empower constituents, transitioning them from mere beneficiaries to active partners in the decision-making processes affecting their communities.
Highlighting a Keynote Address
During the convocation ceremony, Remollo’s selection as keynote speaker was particularly resonant, given his extensive experience in local governance. Over the years, his leadership has been characterized by significant infrastructure development and modernization in Dumaguete City, initiatives that positioned him as a pragmatic leader focused on execution and results.
This ceremony marked the end of a rigorous program that included various modules covering crucial areas such as people’s participation, local legislation, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). Graduating mayors received certificates commemorating their commitment to improving governance within their municipalities.
Graduates and Their Significance
The March 2026 cohort saw the completion of the fellowship program by mayors from numerous regions across the country, including:
- Mayor Sylvester Austria, Jaen, Nueva Ecija
- Mayor Trina Andres, Rizal, Nueva Ecija
- Mayor Mike Galang, Floridablanca, Pampanga
- Mayor RB Aquino, Moncada, Tarlac
- Mayor Belen Raga, Lumban, Laguna
- Mayor Queen Alarva, Pila, Laguna
- Mayor Markgregor Sayson, Libon, Albay
- Mayor Prescilla Calizo, Balete, Aklan
- Mayor Katkat Suan, Allen, Northern Samar
These mayors were recognized for their dedication to implementing the principles instilled during the fellowship. Their participation reflects a growing movement among local leaders to enhance governance frameworks in their respective localities.
The Role of the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation
The JMRF, named after the late Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, aims to continue his legacy through initiatives like the LeGo Fellowship. The foundation focuses on advocating for good governance and fostering leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement.
KAS Philippines, a significant player in this partnership, contributes resources and expertise to strengthen democratic processes and governance standards in the Philippines. Their collaboration represents a commitment to not only train mayors but to build a network of leaders who can enact meaningful and lasting change within their communities.
Insights from Ipe Remollo
In his keynote address, Remollo emphasized the importance of leadership that transcends individual administrations. He underscored that the effectiveness of governance should not only be measured by how long one retains authority but rather by the systems and structures established that benefit citizens long after one leaves office.
Remollo shared reflections drawn from his tenure, highlighting the necessity of institutionalizing measures that ensure continuity in public service effectiveness. His insights resonate within the current political landscape, where calls for good governance grow louder amidst challenges.
Immediate and Long-term Impact
The completion of the LeGo Fellowship not only signifies individual milestones for the mayors involved but also marks a significant step toward improving governance on a national scale. The transition towards more institutionalized citizen participation is expected to reshape the dynamics of local governance, moving it away from personality-centric practices toward more structured frameworks that empower constituents.
As local governments grapple with the complexities of administration, the principles shared within the fellowship and emphasized by Remollo serve as a foundation for developing robust leadership capable of facing contemporary challenges.
Looking Ahead for Graduates
The real test for the graduates will emerge as they return to their respective municipalities. The principles they learned during the fellowship will be put to the test against existing political realities, including budget limitations, local politics, and public expectations.
As local chief executives, these newly minted fellows bear the responsibility to implement the lessons from the fellowship effectively. The framework of participatory governance and the creation of Local People’s Councils will require dedication and strategic foresight as they strive to uphold the values of integrity, excellence, and compassion.
The legacy of Jesse Robredo, coupled with the insights shared by seasoned leaders like Remollo, offers a beacon of hope for a new generation of mayors willing to embrace the challenges of governance for the betterment of their communities.
Photo credit: Jesse M. Robredo Foundation