A total of 352 local government units (LGUs) will receive almost P2 billion to fund their respective development projects, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) disclosed on Thursday, Dec. 15.
In a statement, the DILG said the P1.961 billion that will be distributed to the LGUs--composed of 18 provinces, 60 cities, and 274 municipalities--is part of the perks for winning the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
Each winning province will receive P9.5 million while cities and towns will get P7 million and P5 million, respectively.
Enacted in 2019 and implemented on a full-scale for the first time this year, the SGLG Law restricts the use of the funds for local projects supporting “national goals and strategic thrusts.
DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. lauded the LGUs that passed the SGLG criteria despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The awardees account for one fifth of the country’s 1,715 LGUs with the highest number coming from Central Luzon.
“It’s not about the trophies. It’s not about the award. It’s raising the bar of performance. It’s about attitude, changing the culture na porke’t nanalo ka hanggang ganoon na lang. No. Ibig sabihin, walang tigil na paglilingkod sa tao, walang tigil na innovation (It does not mean that you will stop you won. No, it means public service will continue, there will be no stop in innovations),’’ Abalos said.
Abalos added the diversity of awardees from first-class to lower-class LGUs show the award does not depend on how much resources are available to local officials.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who was guest of honor at the Dec. 14 rites urged the LGU awardees to take on the challenge of improving the lives of their constituents with the decentralization of funds to LGUs following the Mandanas ruling.
“Just act and do things the right way. Implement your plans and programs with no guide but the well-being of your people,” Bersamin said.
Among the awardees are 25 LGUs that have consistently passed the SGLG for six years, from 2015: Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Isabela, Quirino, Bulacan and Aklan.
Fort cities, they are Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Balanga, Mabalacat City, Bacoor, San Pedro and San Carlos.
The municipalities are Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Alcala, Pangasinan; Sanchez Mira, Cagayan; San Mateo, Isabela; Saguday, Quirino; Plaridel, Bulacan; Floridablanca, Pampanga; Victoria, Tarlac; Carmona, Cavilé; Barugo, Leyte; Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; and, San Juan, Abra
The awardees are selected by the Council of Good Local Governance chaired by the DILG and representatives of nine government agencies and basic sectors. (Chito A. Chavez)