(MB FILE PHOTO)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reprogrammed its Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) to ensure its alignment with the newly-restructured performance framework for local government units (LGUs).
In a statement, the DILG stressed that the adjustment was implemented to complement the ongoing recalibration of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) program.
Earlier, the DILG launched the first nationwide implementation of the SGLGB in 2023, which is a performance-based assessment and incentive program designed to promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in barangay governance.
Further, the DILG explained that the 2025 SGLGB assessment is deferred to support the transition toward a unified, strategic, and outcome-based performance system that will cover both barangay and higher-level LGUs.
Previously, the 2025 SGLG assessment was also deferred to focus on long-term solutions, measurable impact, and improved funding mechanisms.
“The recalibrated SGLG will now serve as the basis for improving how barangays are evaluated under the SGLGB program,’’ the DILG noted.
Similar to the SGLG governance clusters, the DILG plans to consolidate the existing core governance areas and essential governance areas of SGLGB into fiscal management, public safety, social services, and innovation for streamlined performance indicators.
The new system will also follow a term-based approach, which means barangays will be given enough time to show real changes before they are assessed as the DILG wants to make sure the program is fair, realistic, and encourages lasting improvements.
The DILG said the updated SGLGB guidelines will be issued within the year to guide implementation and ensure consistency in monitoring and evaluation.
“Barangay participation in the program grew by five percent, from 39,623 in 2023 to 41,610 in 2024,’’ the DILG noted.
Of these, 3,283 barangays were recognized as SGLGB national passers last year, including 663 that earned the seal for two consecutive years.