LUNA, Apayao -Three municipalities of Apayao passed the rigorous assessment of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and made it to the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
Senator Sonny Angara and DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno conferred the 2016 Seals of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to the Municipalities of Sta. Marcela, Pudtol and Luna on October 27, 2016 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay City during the National Conferment Ceremony.
Out of 1,490 municipalities, 144 cities and 81 provinces from the country being assessed by the DILG for the SGLG, the three municipalities underwent tedious screening and successfully complied with the requirements and now belong to the only 306 qualified Local Government Units nationawide which have been conferred the “2016 SGLG Award: Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal.”
Mr. Marvin Basquez, DILG Provincial Director of Apayao said roughly 13 percent in the country made it to the 2016 SGLG, an award and incentive program for performing local governments, hence, the mayors of said municipalities were so happy. “They don’t expect to pass as the requirements are hard to comply but after knowing they made it, they are so much delighted,” Mr. Basquez added.
Meanwhile, Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. conveyed his utmost appreciation to the officials, MLGOOs and people of all the Municipalities who labored much for this award, another feat not only for the said municipalities but also for the province. He strongly believes that through strong and continuous partnership with the national line agencies like the DILG, the Province and all municipalities stand for progressive and more efficient LGU that realistically cater the very needs of the Iapayaos.
For Sta. Marcela, Mayor Rolly Guiang accepted the SGLG award while Mayor Joshephine Bangsil proudly represented the Municipality of Luna. Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua received the prestigious award in behalf of the Municipality of Pudtol. They were accompanied by their respective MGLOOs.
The said municipalities are entitled each in the access of the Performance Challenge Fund amounting to P3 Million and also the facilitation of loan approval through the issuance of Good Financial Housekeeping Certification and other programs offered directly by the DILG without any counterpart.
According to Mr. Basquez, for next year, Apayao targets to have 90% complaint municipalities and to add SGLG awardees including the Provincial Government of Apayao.
By Gerriahzon S. Sebastian