Newly-installed Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla on Wednesday morning formally assumed office as the new DILG chief following a turnover ceremony at the DILG-Napolcom Building in Quezon City.

“This [DILG] is a very difficult department to run. But, I think with the 30 years of experience behind me and with the guidance of the good Secretary and would-be senator [outgoing DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos] I think we can do a good job,” Remulla said.

Remulla, who said that he is leaving a province that “I can run with my eyes closed”, is optimistic that his leadership will measure up with his predecessor.

He acknowledged the great contribution and service devoted by outgoing DILG Secretary Abalos.

“I stand now on the shoulders of a giant in local governance, Secretary Benhur Abalos…your integrity is unmeasurable. You leave me with a very tall task of following your footsteps,” Remulla remarked.

“I hope to be equal and I hope too, to make you proud of what we do, Sir. Thank you,” he added.

The new DILG Secretary took his oath on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 before President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who commended his excellence in local governance in Cavite for three decades as board member, vice governor, and governor.

Remulla was appointed by President Marcos as the new DILG Secretary following Abalos’ bid as a senatorial candidate under the President’s ‘Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas’.

Remulla served as a board member of the Second District of Cavite in 1995 and was elected as vice governor in 1998 and held the position in three terms until 2007.

As governor, Remulla served from 2010-2016 and 2019-2024 until he was called to serve as DILG Secretary.

Meanwhile, Abalos ushered Remulla’s leadership of the DILG saying that the Department is in good hands with the new secretary on board. “The DILG and the country is in good hands.”

He likewise acknowledged the DILG workforce adding that he is proud that his more than two years as head of the Department have been “a successful term because of this family.”

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/New-DILG-Secretary-Remulla-assumes-office-banks-on-decades-of-local-governance-experience-in-running-DILG/NC-2024-1125