LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino, III dedicates the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award received by the provincial government from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to Pangasinenses whose support to various development thrusts of the provincial administration have contributed in attaining the mission and vision for the province.
“This award is not only a recognition of the efforts of provincial officials, but also for all Pangasinenses who work with us towards realizing a better province,” said Governor Espino during the regular flag-raising ceremony of the provincial government held at the Capitol recently.
According to the DILG, Pangasinan passed all the minimum requirements of the SGLG’s core components (financial administration, social protection and disaster preparedness) and essential areas (business friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order, and environment management).
Governor Espino likewise expressed gratitude to the DILG for appreciating the Espino brand of leadership which has pursued excellence in running the affairs of the province since July 2007 when the elder Espino served as provincial chief executive.
On October 27, Governor Espino received the SGLG award from Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno and Senator Sonny Angara at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.
In a letter of the DILG sent to the province, the DILG secretary said: “It is with great hope that your LGU sustains its remarkable performance and commitment as we both endeavor to carry on our journey towards a tapat at mahusay na pamahalaang lokal.”
It was learned that the SGLG award entitles the following opportunities for the local government unit: access to the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), facilitation of loan approval through the issuance of good financial housekeeping certifications and other program ‘windows’ subject to specific program guidelines.
In addition to the seal, a certificate of recognition was received by the provincial government as a symbol of the province’s commitment towards good local governance and for passing all six local government assessment areas this year.
It can be recalled that Pangasinan – under the stewardship then of Gov. Pogi’s father, Cong. Amado T. Espino, Jr. — was a recipient of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) award in 2011 and 2012.
When the SGH was upgraded to SGLG, the province again received the award in 2015.
Joining Governor Espino during the presentation of the SGLG award were Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., Provincial Board Members Jeremy Agerico Rosario, Raul Sison, Noel Bince, Angel Baniqued, Jr.,Napoleon Fontelera and Chinky Perez-Tababa and several heads of office of the provincial government.
By Dexter A. See
