Navotas LGU cited for transparent, honest utilization of funds
Navotas City Mayor John Reynald "John Rey" Tiangco said on Monday, Feb. 5, that the city has passed the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) standards through the local government's honest utilization of public funds.
The GFH, which was established in 2010, serves as a tool of DILG to evaluate the performance of local government units in terms of establishing citizen engagement through transparent reporting of public budget and expenditures.
According to the city government, the GFH is one of the core components of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) which employs a more comprehensive assessment of the administrative and development efforts of LGUs.
The SGLG is a recognition-based program for local government units for them to continue their commitment in bringing about people-oriented reforms and foster a culture of good governance amid the challenges in the local government landscape.
“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to transparent and honest utilization of public funds, ensuring that they are spent towards programs and services that contribute to the welfare of Navoteños,” Tiangco said.
A local government unit (LGU) should comply with the accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations (Full Disclosure Policy of Local Budget and Finances, Bids and Public Offerings such as Annual Budget, Statement of Receipts and Expenditures, Annual Procurement Plan or Procurement List, and Bid Results on Civil Works, Goods and Services and Consulting Services, among others) to pass the GFH.
The local government shared that it also obtained its eight straight unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA), the highest mark the national agency can give to a city or government agency.
An "unmodified opinion" is given to a public institution when the COA auditor concludes that all the financial statements are prepared in accordance to an applicable financial framework.
“We also acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our city government employees who consistently strive to provide exceptional public service, as well as the citizens of Navotas for their constant support,” Tiangco said.