by Gerry Lee Gorit
MISAMIS ORIENTAL – A top official of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) who validated last September 16, 2024, has reported positive feedback. The province now has clean documents that may qualify it for the SGLG award this year.
The National validation and an awarding of the prestigious award will be held in October of this year, it was learned.
“So far this time the province has clean documents. I am impressed that they have completed their documents as compared to last year,” DILG-Caraga Regional Director Marie Loisella Lucino said.
She said there are 10 areas that they consider and all these areas are now completed by the province as far as documentation is concerned. Among the the areas include the following : Financial Administration and Sustainability; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity; Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Sustainable Education; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness;
Safety, Peace and Order; Environmental Management; Tourism, Heritage, Development, Culture and Arts; and Youth Development.
“Ako naman gyud nalantawan ila documents ug compliant na sila sa mga documents. So far clean na ila documents to support their application for the SGLG award for this year,” Director Lucino said.
Dir Lucino thanked Governor Peter M Unabia for his leadership in compiling the documents this year. I am very impressed with Gov Unabia. He is really on top of this SGLG award. He even memorized the 10 areas covered in this award of exemplary governance,” she said.
What is the SGLG Award?
The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Award is a prestigious recognition conferred by the Philippine government to local government units (LGUs) that exhibit exemplary performance in governance. Launched in 2014 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the SGLG aims to encourage LGUs to adhere to best practices and uphold high standards of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering services to their communities.
To qualify for the SGLG, LGUs must demonstrate their commitment to good governance through a comprehensive evaluation process. This evaluation is based on several key areas: financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order, and environmental management. Each area is assessed through a rigorous set of criteria, ensuring that only those LGUs that consistently meet and exceed standards are recognized.
Financial administration evaluates the LGU’s fiscal management, focusing on budget preparation, revenue generation, and expenditure control. LGUs are expected to show transparency in financial reporting and effective use of resources to achieve development goals. Disaster preparedness assesses the LGU’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural and man-made calamities, emphasizing the importance of risk reduction and resilient infrastructure.
Social protection measures the effectiveness of programs aimed at improving the welfare of marginalized and vulnerable populations. This includes healthcare, education, and housing initiatives that contribute to a better quality of life. Peace and order evaluates the LGU’s efforts in maintaining safety and security within its jurisdiction, including crime prevention and law enforcement measures.
Environmental management focuses on the LGU’s commitment to sustainable practices, including waste management, pollution control, and conservation efforts. LGUs are expected to implement programs that protect natural resources and promote environmental sustainability.
Receiving the SGLG Award is not only a mark of distinction but also a catalyst for further improvement. Awardees are provided with financial incentives and technical support to enhance their governance practices and implement innovative projects. This recognition also fosters a culture of competition and collaboration among LGUs, driving continuous improvement across the country.
In essence, the Seal of Good Local Governance Award represents a commitment to excellence in public service. It encourages LGUs to strive for transparency, accountability, and efficiency, ultimately leading to better outcomes for their constituents. By celebrating the achievements of outstanding LGUs, the SGLG plays a crucial role in promoting good governance and fostering a more effective and responsive local government system. ###
