Iloilo province bags seventh Seal of Good Local Governance

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The province of Iloilo received its seventh Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Award during the 2024 SGLG National Awarding Ceremony on December 9 at The Tent City, The Manila Hotel.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led the delegation in receiving the recognition, which includes a P3-million cash incentive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Dubbed the “mother of all awards,” the SGLG is the highest honor bestowed by the DILG to local government units (LGUs) that demonstrate excellence in governance. It assesses performance across ten governance areas: Financial Administration and Sustainability; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity; Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Sustainable Education; Business- Friendliness and Competitiveness; Safety, Peace and Order; Environmental Management; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts; and Youth Development.

To qualify, at least 10% of a province’s component cities and municipalities must also meet the award’s stringent criteria.

This year, 19 LGUs from Iloilo earned the SGLG distinction. Passi City received a P2-million cash prize, while the 18 municipalities, including Alimodian, Anilao, Banate, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Concepcion, Lambunao, Leganes, Maasin, Mina, New Lucena, Oton, Pavia, Pototan, San Enrique, Tigbauan, Tubungan, and Zarraga, each received P1.153 million.

DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo Orbista accompanied Defensor in receiving the award from DILG Assistant Secretary Atty. Odilon Pasaraba.

Municipal mayors represented their respective LGUs during the ceremony, with the exception of Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares and Lambunao Mayor Reynor Gonzales, who sent representatives.

Several department heads from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol also attended the ceremony.

Iloilo has previously received the award in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023,