In collaboration with the Decentralization and Local Governance Reform Advocacy Program – Project Management Office (DLGRAP-PMO), DILG Region 5 spearheaded the Initial Coordination Meeting for the 2025 Regional Decentralization Conference (RDC): Building on Local Perspectives on August 6, 2025, at the DILG ROV LGRRC Library.

This initiative aims to strengthen responsive, accountable, and inclusive LGUs through decentralization. To support this, DILG is engaging researchers from the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC), including local resource institutions (LRIs) and NGAs, to produce research outputs that will contribute to the growing resources on decentralization.

Among the attendees were representatives from the partner LRIs and NGAs from Bicol University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, University of Nueva Caceres, and Office of the Civil Defense Bicol.
In his message, ARD Atty. Ian Kenneth B. Lucero emphasized the role of research in shaping decentralization policies. LGOO VIII Julius Rodel L. Cal-Ortiz, CESO V, PDMU Chief, provided an overview of decentralization, while LGOO V Lysandra Gale B. Escoto, LGCDD-CBDMS Chief, presented the program orientation, highlighting the Research Focus Areas, timeline of the research proper, and ways forward.

This initiative by the DILG Regional Office 5, led by Regional Director Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO III, through the LGCDD under LGOO VII Ma. Ruthel P. Gigantoca reaffirms DILG’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking toward contributing to future reforms and strengthening local autonomy.