Bacolod qualifies for national SGLG award

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has shortlisted the City of Bacolod as “one of the potential passers of the 2019 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)” national award.

DILG regional director Ariel Iglesia has formally informed Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia of the said development in a letter dated August 7.

In line with this, the DILG sent a team of national validators today [August 29] to conduct a validation such as onsite visit, documentary review, and interview.

Leonardia, in welcoming the evaluators, said in his speech, “I have seen how local governance has innovated and evolved through the years.”

“I may not be the best mayor but I have the best government employees,” the mayor stressed.

The SGLG indicators include: Financial Administration; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection; Peace and Order; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness; Environmental Management; and Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

The validating team was composed of Local Government Operations Officer V Reina Zinnia Bardillon, Local Government Operations Officer II Carlyn Nical, both of DILG-Region 8, and Local Government Operations Officer V Meryl Baraquia of DILG-Region 6, who is also the regional SGLG focal person.

They evaluated documents, inspected the facilities at the Bacolod City Government Center, and observed the working system at the City Hall.

DILG-Bacolod director Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag was also present during the validation.

Joining the mayor in welcoming the national validators were Councilors Renecito Novero, Al Victor Espino, Israel Salanga, and Bartolome Orola, City Administrator John Orola, executive assistants, department and office heads, and personnel.

The Seal of Good Local Governance is an award, incentive, honor and recognition-based program for all local government units (LGUs) in the country. It aims to strengthen commitment of LGUs toward improving their performance in various areas of governance.

The award was institutionalized by Republic Act No. 11292 or the Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019. (PIO)