Metro Manila — A 14-member delegation from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the Bangsamoro Local Government Academy (BLGA), and Mindanao State University (MSU) actively participated in a four-day Benchmarking Visit held on February 11–14, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance capacity development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The benchmarking visit included learning engagements with four key institutions: the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the Local Government Academy (LGA Philippines), UP–National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), and the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG).

Across the visits, discussions centered on institutional models and practical systems that support effective capacity development—particularly on how learning institutions design and deliver programs, ensure quality, and manage partnerships and provider accreditation.

A “bonus” learning visit was also included on February 13, when the delegation visited Pasig City Hall and held an audience with Mayor Vico Sotto, providing an additional on-the-ground perspective on local governance reforms and leadership in practice.

The benchmarking activity is expected to inform BLGA’s continuing institutional development, including the refinement of learning systems, standards, and partnerships that can help BARMM LGUs access more responsive and high-quality capacity development support.