The Department of Interior and Local Government (DepEd) in Bohol has started preparations for the leadership and good governance training of around 450 newly elected officials in the province following the May 13 midterm polls.

DILG Bohol director Jhonjoan Mende told dyRD Balita that the training will be for both first-time elected officials and those who were given a fresh mandate.

“Kanang gitawag nila na newly elected is kanang na elect karon, bahala’g reelectionist siya or dili. Apil ang mga reelectionist,” said Mende.

However, no date has been set yet for the training but this would likely be held after the officials assume their post on June 30.

The training will tackle objectives for officials that need immediate action, particularly during their first 100 days in office.

“Kanang first 100 days mao na ang e-tackle sa atong training sa newly elected, ubay-ubay man gud ang listahan sa gimbuhaton labina sa mayor, for instance, na mag bag-o siya sa tanang mga executive orders creating the councils,” said Mende.

The initiative is implemented nationwide and is expected to be joined by at least 17,000 elected officials from across the country.

Meanwhile, Mende echoed the Commission on Elections call for both newly elected officials and losing candidates to file their Statements of Contribution and Expenditures.

“Mo-join ra ko sa panawagan sa Comelec for the [candidates] to file their respective SOCE including ning mga wa mi-daog,” said Mende.

Earlier, Comelec Tagbilaran said that DILG may not approve the assumption of office of winning candidates who fail to submit their SOCE.

Deadline for submission is on June 12. (R. Tutas)