Bacolod’s performance in Regional SGLG ‘very promising’

“The standing of the city is very promising. I think we did a good job in the first round and I am looking forward to the visit of the national assessment team.”

This was how Department of the Interior and Local Government VI (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV gauged the status of the City of Bacolod during the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Regional Assessment held at the Masskara yesterday, April 21.

The SGLG is an award, incentive, honor and recognition-based program for all local government units in the country that aims to strengthen the commitment of LGUs toward improving their performance in various areas of governance.

A team of regional validators visited the city to conduct an initial assessment including an onsite visit, documentary review and interview with key officials.

“The purpose of this activity is to highlight the accomplishment of the LGU in terms of governance areas that has been established,” Sardua said as she introduced the Regional Assessment Team (RAT) and gave an overview of the SGLG Regional Assessment.

The RAT is composed of leader Carmelo Orbista; CSO representative Emmanuel Areño of ICODE NGOs Inc. and Jessana Carmela Tatoy, LGOO V, SGLG Regional Focal Person, DILG Region VI.

The team evaluated documents, inspected the facilities, supplies and equipment at the Bacolod City Government Center, the Evacuation Center at Vista Alegre, the Annex Building, City Health Office, Bacolod City College and observed the working systems especially of the Local DRRMO at the old and new City Hall.

“I am glad that all the people who matter and involved are here. We are here for a very valid reason which is the SGLG.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our officials for bringing Bacolod to what it is today. We feel that we should always be partners here. Thank you and hopefully we will qualify again. These people worked so hard for it and they tried their best to do that,” said Mayor Evelio Leonardia in his welcome remarks.

 

INDICATORS

The SGLG indicators include Financial Administration; Social Protection, Disaster Preparedness; Tourism, Culture and the arts; Sustainable Education; Health Compliance and Responsiveness, Environmental Management; Youth Development; Peace and Order; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness.

During the feedback session, Sardua explained the National SGLG assessment, which was supposed to be in June has been moved to July of this year.

Joining the mayor in welcoming the regional validators were City Administrator Atty. Edward Joseph Cuansing, Councilor Ayesha Villaflor, Secretary to the Mayor Ma. Victoria Parreñas, executive assistants, department and office heads and personnel.

Republic Act No. 11292, or the Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019, recognizes the good performance of local government units (LGUs) in transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, preparedness for challenges posed by disasters, sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society, implementation of health programs, investment and employment promotion, protection of constituency from threats to life and damage to property, and safeguarding the integrity of the environment.

RA 11292 also encourages all LGUs to take on greater challenges, encourage outcome-based performance and to reward local governments for their effort in pursuing the general welfare of their constituency and in enforcing existing laws. (PIO)