Lapu-Lapu City took part in the 2026 Philippine Local Governance Forum (PLGF) Visayas Circuit on Climate and Energy Security. Mayor Cindi King Chan joined local chief executives from across the Visayas at the event on October 22, 2026, at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Cebu City.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government's Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA) organized the forum in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE). This year's theme was "The LGC in Action: Stories of Devolution, Energy-Smart, and Climate-Responsive LGUs." The forum aimed to connect national and local government efforts by showing how devolution translates into meaningful programs, stronger governance, and improved public service delivery.
It was also part of the nationwide celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Local Government Code of 1991. The law has empowered local governments to become more responsive, resilient, and innovative while strengthening their capacity to build resilient communities.
Who Took Part
The Visayas Circuit covered Regions VI, VII, and VIII, as well as the Negros Island Region (NIR). It brought together delegations from Cebu Province and 46 local government units, including Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City. Seven island cities and municipalities in Cebu and Bohol, along with component cities from Regions VI and VIII and the NIR, also joined online.
Mayor Chan was accompanied by Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President and Basak Barangay Captain Jasmine "Daday" Chan-Olmstead, and DILG Lapu-Lapu City Director Dr. Neila Aquino.
Program Highlights
DILG VII Regional Director Leocadio T. Trovela, CESO III, opened the forum with the program rationale. LGA Assistant Director Esmeralda Daphne N. Purnell, CESO IV, followed with an overview of the 2026 PLGF.
The keynote address, "Local Leadership for an Energy-Smart and Climate-Resilient Future," emphasized the role of LGUs in advancing the country's energy transition and climate action.
The morning session focused on the implementation guidelines of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (Republic Act No. 11285), particularly government energy management programs and ways to help LGUs develop energy-smart and climate-responsive communities.
The afternoon session, "The LGC in Action: Stories from the Visayas," highlighted local government initiatives in renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency and conservation, electric vehicle development, climate-responsive and disaster-resilient infrastructure, and community-based climate action. These initiatives were presented as potential models for other LGUs across the Visayas.
Other topics included energy security, digital solutions for energy management, and local approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The forum also aimed to strengthen local governance through technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, and partnership opportunities among local and national government agencies and development partners.
The Lapu-Lapu Angle
For an island city like Lapu-Lapu, which faces growing energy demands and climate-related risks, the forum underscored the importance of pursuing local solutions to strengthen energy security and build resilient communities.
The city's participation reaffirms its commitment to aligning local development plans with national goals for energy security and climate resilience. This is meant to keep the city's progress sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the Oponganons.
📌 Quick Summary
What: 2026 Philippine Local Governance Forum (PLGF) Visayas Circuit on Climate and Energy Security
Where: Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City
When: October 22, 2026
Impact on Visayas: Local governments from Regions VI, VII, VIII, and the NIR, including Cebu and Bohol LGUs, took part in sessions on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate-resilient governance.
Source: Lapu-Lapu City Information Office