Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan made history by achieving Manila's first Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). 

The SGLG, a prestigious recognition for outstanding governance, was presented to the Manila city government during a formal ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on December 9. 

The award was personally received by Mayor Lacuna-Pangan and Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto, with the city’s department heads led by City Administrator Bernie Ang. 

The award highlights the city’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellent public service delivery. 

For the mayor, the recognition is a testament not only to her leadership but also to the dedication and hard work of everyone in the Manila local government unit (LGU). 

The mayor graciously shared the credit for this historic achievement with all city officials and employees, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to their collective efforts in ensuring good governance. 

She also acknowledged the support of the Manila residents, who have been instrumental in the city’s success. 

"Hindi natin makakamit ang SGLG nang ako lamang mag-isa. Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng aking kasamahang nagta-trabaho sa pamahalaang-lungsod ng Maynila. Sa sama-samang nating pagsisikap, walang imposible (We could not have achieved the SGLG if I had been alone. I sincerely thank all my colleagues working in the city government of Manila. With our joint efforts, nothing is impossible),” said Mayor Lacuna-Pangan in her speech. 

The mayor also reassured the people of Manila: "Para sa inyo ito, mga mahal kong Manileños. Makakaasa ang mga taga-Maynila na patuloy kaming maglilingkod nang tapat at totoo at patuloy naming sisinupin ang pondo ng Maynila para sa kanilang kapakinabangan at higit sa lahat, hinding-hindi kami mang-iiwan (This is for you, my dear Manileños. The people of Manila can count on us to continue to serve them faithfully and truthfully, to continue to manage Manila's finances for their benefit, and above all, we will never abandon them)." 

To qualify for the SGLG, local government units must meet rigorous criteria across several governance areas. 

These include financial administration and sustainability, disaster preparedness, social protection, health compliance and responsiveness, sustainable education, business-friendliness, safety, environmental management, and tourism. 

The city government said Lacuna-Servo leadership has paved the way for Manila to be recognized not only as the capital of the Philippines but also as a model of good governance. 

Her administration’s focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in governance has earned the trust and admiration of the people, making Manila a shining example of local government excellence. 

As Manila takes pride in this historical accomplishment, the local government said the residents can rest assured that their city is on the right path toward a brighter future, built on a foundation of good governance.