CITY OF MALOLOS — The Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando at Vice Governor Alex Castro received their 7th Seal of Local Governance conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local Governance (DILG) during the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance National Awarding Cluster 2 at The Manila Hotel Thursday (Dec. 14).
According to Katrina Balingit, chief, Provincial Public Affairs Office on Friday (Dec. 15), since the launching of SGLG in 2014, Bulacan has been a consistent awardee, securing the SGLG seal for seven consecutive years.
She added Bulacan has also received P4,000,000.00 worth of SGLG Incentive Fund Subsidy which will be used for high-impact projects in the province.
Meanwhile, Fernando, in his statement Friday acknowledged the collective efforts of the PGB that led to the attainment of the prestigious recognition.
“This recognition is a reflection of our collective commitment to effective governance, sustainable development, and service excellence. I am truly honored to lead a community that consistently upholds the principles of good governance. Let this milestone inspire us to continue working together for the betterment of our beloved Bulacan,” Fernando said.
“The People’s Governor also recognized the efforts of the SGLG in motivating and challenging the local government units to meet the criteria therefore resulting to a more productive and progressive administration that benefits their respective constituents,” Balingit said.
Also, Balingit added among the 493 LGUs that passed the criteria for 2023 SGLG award were the Municipalities of Angat, Balagtas, Bulakan, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Marilao, Pandi, Plaridel, Pulilan, Santa Maria and City of Baliwag, each received the SGLG Incentive Fund Subsidy amounting to P1,800,00.00 each.
DILG Secretary and Council of Good Local Governance (CGLG) Chair Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. challenged all the LGUs throughout the country to render a more effective governance.
“Mga kasama, sa gobyerno, mabilis ang improvement sa artificial intelligence, sa telecommunications, technology, medical and natural science. Huwag tayong papahuli rito, kaya nandito ang mga eksperto – na ang mga batayan natin ay lalo nating kunin ang tama, ibaba natin sa grassroots at i-capacitate natin ang bawat isa. Dahil ang ikatataas ng ating bansa ay tayo rin ang magdadala,” Sec. Abalos said in his message during the program.
To qualify for the SGLG award, LGUs must pass the assessment criteria across various governance areas including financial administration; 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 the arts; and youth development. (UnliNews Online)
