During challenging times, public servants must step forward and lead the nation towards change.
President Marcos made the statement in his speech at the 2024 Galing Pook Awards held at the Malacañan Palace on Friday, Oct. 25, amid the onslaught of typhoon Kristine in the country.
"And in these challenging times, our country needs leaders, innovators, and true public servants to step forward and to lead the change —change that will help us create a more resilient and better future for our children," Marcos said.
The President also challenged local chief executives to keep innovating, solving problems, and putting more initiatives in place.
"So, as we close this ceremony, my challenge to all of you is this: Let us keep pushing. Let us keep innovating. The work of governance does not end. There is always more to be done, more people to serve, more ways to lead, more problems to solve, more initiatives to put into place," he said.
During the ceremony, Marcos recognized the 2024 Galing Pook awardees. He told them that " this award also comes with a challenge to surpass what you have already accomplished."
Marcos also told them that " it is not enough to govern for the people; one must govern with the people."
"Community participation empowers our citizens by giving them the opportunity to inform, to influence, to monitor, and assess government decisions and policies. It is a key instrument of good local governance," he said.
The ten outstanding programs honored this year reflect a diverse range of initiatives, from environmental sustainability and child protection to education and inclusive economic growth.
.The winners of the 2024 Galing Pook Awards are:
• Balanga Community-based Ecotourism Zone (Balanga City, Bataan): A model for sustainable ecotourism, combining environmental conservation with local economic development.
• Breathing Life into the Ayta Magbukun: A Collaborative Initiative for Language Restoration in Bataan (Bataan Province): A cultural preservation initiative that restores and revitalizes the Ayta Magbukun language, strengthening indigenous identity and heritage.
• Project Teaching Opportunities Prioritizing Illiteracy (Cabagan, Isabela): An education program aimed at eradicating illiteracy through tailored learning interventions, with a focus on marginalized and disadvantaged populations.
• Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology: The First Local College in Davao Region (Kapalong, Davao del Norte): Pioneering access to higher education in agriculture and sciences for underserved communities, bridging education and economic opportunity in rural areas.
• Saving Kan: A Love Story In Ormoc Bay (Marine Mammal and Reptile Rehabilitation Center) (Ormoc City): An innovative rehabilitation center that protects and restores marine biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of marine life in sustaining coastal ecosystems.
• Pag-asa sa Bagong Bahay (Pandi, Bulacan): A housing program that not only provides shelter but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among its beneficiaries.
• Puerto Galera Waste Water Management (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro): A comprehensive approach to addressing wastewater management challenges in a tourist-heavy destination, safeguarding both public health and environmental sustainability.
• Quezon City Birth Registration Online (QC BRO) (Quezon City): A groundbreaking digital solution providing efficient, accessible, and secure birth registration services to ensure that every child’s right to identity is fulfilled.
• Ating Dibdibin Program (Taguig City): A health initiative offering comprehensive breast cancer screening and care, ensuring that women receive the support and treatment they need in a timely manner.
• Safe Spaces and Safeguarding Children: Strengthening LGU-led Community-Based Child Protection in Valenzuela City (Valenzuela City): A comprehensive child protection program that addresses child abuse, exploitation, and violence, promoting a culture of safeguarding the most vulnerable.