President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has encouraged local government units (LGUs) to carry on with their programs and advocacies in a bid to influence other localities.
In congratulating the LGUs that are recipients of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards on Tuesday, Nov. 22, Marcos urged them to continue the innovations they have made in order to inspire more communities in the country to follow suit.
"our pursuit of good governance in your communities is truly commendable and is necessary," he said.
"Therefore, I encourage you to continue your programs and advocacies so that you may inspire your fellow LGUs to also introduce innovative practices geared towards improving the lives of your constituents," he stressed.
Galing Pook is a leading resource institution that recognizes, capacitates and promotes innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment and excellence in local governance and has empowered hundreds of LGUs to develop programs and social innovations through the Galing Pook Awards, Galing Pook Academy, and Galing Pook Advocacies.
During the awarding ceremony held in Malacañang, the President expressed hope that they "remain consistent and persevering in your endeavors so that you may reach even greater heights."
He also thanked them "for letting our people know that they are in safe hands, even if the health crisis and other succeeding challenges gave us enough reason to fear.”
Marcos noted that the recognition of cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive toward improvement and encourages LGUs to adopt practices that “make us paragons of excellence in public service.”
The chief executive cited the need to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations.
“I hope the Galing Pook Foundation will continue developing the knowledge of local chief executives and facilitating the exchange of best practices that foster development in our localities, such as your Adaptive and Innovative Leadership Program,” he added.
The 10 outstanding programs by various LGUs are The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan); Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province); Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco- Tourism and Full Employment (Barangay Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal); Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).
The winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.
The Galing Pook Awards was launched on October 21, 1993.