In a significant recognition of local governance excellence, 53 local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have been awarded the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). This number surpasses last year’s recipients, marking a notable increase in the region’s commitment to high standards of governance. The announcement was made by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday.
The recipients span across various levels of local government, including three provincial governments, five city governments, and 45 municipal governments spread across six provinces. This year’s awardees show a rise from the 33 LGUs that received the SGLG in 2023.
The DILG highlighted that the award underscores the dedication of these LGUs to excellence, transparency, and accountability, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the region. The provinces of Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte were among those honored.
Cities recognized include Tacloban, Baybay, and Ormoc in Leyte; Catbalogan in Samar; and Maasin in Southern Leyte. In Biliran, the towns of Almeria, Kawayan, and Naval were celebrated. Eastern Samar’s awardees include Arteche, Gen. MacArthur, Guiuan, Quinapondan, and Sulat.
Further recipients in Leyte are Alangalang, Albuera, Barugo, Hilongos, Kananga, San Miguel, and Tabontabon. In Northern Samar, the list includes Bobon, Catarman, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Mapanas, Palapag, Pambujan, San Antonio, and San Roque. Samar province’s awardees are Basey, Calbiga, Jiabong, Marabut, Motiong, and Paranas. Southern Leyte’s recognized areas are Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, San Juan, Silago, Sogod, St. Bernard, and Tomas Oppus.
DILG Eastern Visayas Director Arnel Agabe praised the awardees for their commitment to transparency, accountability, and service excellence, noting that they serve as role models for other local governments in the region.
The LGUs were evaluated on their performance across 10 governance areas, including financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health compliance, sustainable education, business-friendliness, safety and order, environmental management, tourism and culture, and youth development.
Each awarded LGU will receive the SGLG Incentive Fund, designed to further enhance local governance by funding projects that improve service delivery, infrastructure, and community well-being. The SGLG program, established under Republic Act 11292, aims to motivate LGUs to continuously improve their governance practices.