Capitol, 8 Towns Receive Seal of Good Local Governance

On his first term, Governor Hilario P. Davide III passed the governance test of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The Province of Cebu, along with eight (8) towns received the DILG’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in a ceremony last July 14 at Norkis Park, Looc, Mandaue City.

It was no less than DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, who gave the plaques and cash incentives to the local chief executives.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III said the award recognized the changes he instituted in running the affairs of the provincial government.

“Para nako dako kaayo na nga dungog kanato nga (For me this is a great honor that) in terms of delivery of services, napakita nato nga (we have shown that) we’re capable of.”

“We try our best really to promote transparency and accountability sa atong pagpangalagad dinhi sa (in our services in the) provincial government,” he added.

Sec. Roxas said not all local government units (LGUs) were awarded with the seal. He said the LGUs made difficult strides to achieve accomplishment in their governance but it redounds to the benefit of all.

“They passed with flying colors. They are good examples of good governance sa lalawigan ng (Province of) Cebu,” said Roxas to the awardees.

The awardees were Argao, Bantayan, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Oslob, and San Remigio.

The recognition also carried with it cash incentives. The province received Php 7 million while each municipality was given Php 3 million.

With the cash incentives, the LGUs are free to choose which projects to spend the money for.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos said the funds will be used to finish the on-going construction of their new public market.

For Bantayan, Mayor Ian Christopher Escario said the money will be used to build classrooms. The town of Bantayan is one of three municipalities in Bantayan Island, which was heavily affected by typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

All mayors were present to claim the award during the ceremony except Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez, who arrived late. Vice Mayor Alfonso received the award on Ramirez’s behalf.

The SGLG is an upgraded version of seal of good financial housekeeping launched in 2010.

The awardees were judged according to their accomplishments in the core assessment areas such as good financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, and social protection.

Moreover, the LGUs must also pass any of the foregoing essential requisites: Peace and Order, Environmental Management, and Business-friendliness and Competitiveness.

www.cebu.gov.ph