In the realm of public service, true progress is rarely achieved in isolation. Recognizing that the key to innovation often lies in collective wisdom, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Western Visayas demonstrated the profound impact of sharing best practices across regional borders. Last February 4, 2026, the region's Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) hosted a virtual benchmarking activity with DILG Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9). This cross-regional exchange underscored a fundamental principle in government operations, that is, there is an undeniable strength in numbers, especially when distinct regions unite their expertise to elevate the national standard of public service delivery.

At the core of this knowledge-sharing session was PDMU 6’s highly successful implementation of the 2025 SubayBAYAN Plus Assembly. Having garnered significant interest during the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) 3rd Quarter Program Implementation Dialogue in October 2025, Region 6 was tapped by DILG Region 9 to share the best practices of the former. PDMU 6 Chief Atty. Maria Jenica D. Villabeto-Balani emphasized a transformative approach, noting that the DILG must evolve beyond being a mere monitoring body to become an active catalyst for positive governance. Providing technical depth, resource person PEO III Marie Angelie S. Villalon-Jabano laid out the specific, replicable initiatives that ensured the assembly's successful rollout across Western Visayas.

This inter-regional dialogue highlighted that safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring project transparency requires a united front. Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV, opened the activity by championing the immense value of inter-regional exchange, expressing deep appreciation for DILG Region 9's confidence in Western Visayas' initiatives. 

By anticipating more robust collaborations, ARD Sardua reinforced the idea that when government units openly share their triumphs and strategies, they multiply their overall effectiveness. It is through this collaborative strength that the DILG continues to intensify its advocacy for accountability, proving that shared knowledge is the strongest foundation for resilient and transparent local governance.