Leadership for Local Chief Executives

As the May 12, 2025 elections for local officials and the December 1, 2025 barangay elections draw near, the Philippines faces the critical task of selecting leaders who will shape the future of local governance. Local chief executives—governors, mayors, and punong barangays—are at the heart of public service delivery, grassroots development, and policy implementation. Their leadership styles significantly influence the progress of local government units (LGUs), directly impacting the lives of millions of Filipinos. However, leadership in the Philippine context has often been overly reliant on personal charisma and political alliances, leading to inconsistent governance. To ensure sustained development and people-centered governance, leadership styles in LGUs must be improved and institutionalized to transcend individual personalities.

Effective leadership in local governance requires vision, commitment, and the ability to inspire change. Transformational leadership, for instance, is crucial in empowering communities and fostering long-term development. Transformational leaders articulate a clear vision for their LGUs and work to inspire collective action among their constituents. These leaders can address systemic problems such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and education gaps by focusing on innovation and challenging the status quo. A mayor who champions renewable energy or invests in climate-resilient infrastructure exemplifies this forward-thinking approach to leadership, which is vital in a rapidly changing world.

Equally important is servant leadership, which prioritizes people's needs at the forefront of governance. Servant leaders prioritize inclusivity and equity in a country where many marginalized communities lack access to essential services. They actively engage with their constituents, listening to their concerns and addressing their most pressing healthcare, education, or disaster preparedness needs. This leadership style fosters trust and ensures that governance is people-centered.

Leadership in the Philippines also demands adaptability, given the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, economic challenges, and societal changes. Adaptive leaders excel in navigating uncertainty, responding to crises with resourcefulness and resilience. They empower their teams to act decisively in emergencies, such as typhoons, earthquakes, or public health crises, ensuring their LGUs are prepared to adapt to evolving challenges.

In a political landscape often marred by corruption, ethical leadership remains a cornerstone of good governance. Local chief executives must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and accountability in decision-making. Ethical leaders restore public trust by prioritizing the public good over personal gain. Institutionalizing ethical leadership involves implementing anti-corruption measures such as transparent procurement processes, regular financial audits, and whistleblower protection policies.

Collaboration is another hallmark of effective leadership in LGUs. No local government operates in isolation, and collaborative leadership is essential for building partnerships with national agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations. Local leaders can leverage additional resources and expertise to address complex challenges by fostering partnerships. For instance, a mayor partnering with private companies to enhance local infrastructure exemplifies the impact of collaboration through public-private partnerships.

While these leadership styles are vital for effective governance, they must be institutionalized to ensure continuity and sustainability. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) can play a key role by mandating leadership training programs for all elected officials. These training programs should focus on best practices in governance, ethical decision-making, and crisis management. Institutions like the Local Government Academy can provide ongoing capacity-building for both newly elected and re-elected officials. Additionally, performance-based incentives can encourage LGUs to adopt and maintain high standards of leadership and governance. Rewarding top-performing LGUs with additional funding or national recognition can motivate leaders to prioritize good governance.

Citizen participation is vital to institutionalizing effective leadership. Tools like town hall meetings, feedback platforms, and participatory planning empower communities to engage in governance, ensuring leaders remain accountable and responsive to public needs. Legislative reforms, such as mandating budget transparency, strengthening anti-corruption laws, and curbing political dynasties, can further solidify good governance.

The 2025 elections offer Filipinos a chance to redefine local governance by electing leaders who exemplify transformational, servant, adaptive, ethical, and collaborative leadership. Voters must scrutinize candidates’ track records and commitment to public service, while civil society must continue advocating for reforms that institutionalize these leadership principles.

Ultimately, leadership in LGUs is about leaving a legacy of service, integrity, and progress. By embedding effective leadership into governance systems, the Philippines can move toward a future where strong, ethical leadership drives sustainable development and inclusive growth. The 2025 elections are a crucial step in making this vision a reality.