LUNA, Apayao – The provincial government on Thursday, Sept. 12 successfully went through the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) National level validation at the Aliwa Gymnasium, in San Isidro Sur, Luna Apayao.
A thorough evaluation of the province’s performance on the 10 governance areas was done. These include Financial Administration and Sustainability, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection and Sensitivity, Health Compliance and Responsiveness, Sustainable Education, Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness; Safety, Peace and Order; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts; Environmental Management; and Youth Development.
Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Atty. Gerald D. Gallardo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Cluster Head and Concurrent CLGOO of Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Rodel D. Hilario; with LGOO Program Manager Jeslen B. Tesoro lead the assessment, which consisted three processes: On-site Validation, Documentary Review, and Interview.
During the on-site validation, the team assessed the province’s compliance with various requirements, including the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) Compliance in conspicuous places within the LG Building (Provincial Capitol), existence of Apayao Evacuation Center, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Operation Center, and Tourist Information and Assistance Center/Desk.
Gallardo, in his talk, congratulated the province saying it has passed the national level validation and is recommended for further evaluation.
“I am pleased to announce that the Province of Apayao has successfully passed the national level validation and met all the necessary requirements for the 2024 SGLG. This activity today is a manifestation of the efforts that all of us are working for,” he said.
Meantime, the result of the validation will be announced by the DILG in the coming days, with the prestigious SGLG award to be conferred to LGUs which have met the indicators and criteria set.
The DILG’s Seal of Good Local Governance is the highest distinction granted to top-performing local governments nationwide, apparent for their exceptional local governance and provision of public service relative to applicable national laws and guidelines.
The province hopes to again get the award. Said award is seen as a demonstration of its sustained commitment to the evident excellent performance in previous years’ SGLG assessments. By Joyce Arian Soria
