The local government unit (LGU) of Carmona City has been recognized as one of the winners of the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA) for its Holistic Framework for Disability-Inclusive Governance called “Kalingyakap.”
Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola receives the UN Public Service Award for Carmona City’s Holistic Framework for Disability-Inclusive Governance, “Kalingyakap,” in an awarding ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia, on June 25, 2026 (Screenshot from the UNDESA Public Institutions and Digital Government’s YouTube video/MANILA BULLETIN)
Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola received the award under the category “Delivering Inclusive and Equitable Services to Leave No One Behind” during the awarding ceremony at the UN Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Thursday, June 25.
The city’s disability-inclusive governance program was selected from more than 700 entries submitted by public institutions and local governments from 62 countries.
The UNPSA recognizes innovative and people-centered public service initiatives that advance inclusive governance and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Carmona, the Philippines' youngest city, was the country's lone recipient of the 2026 UNPSA. Other awardees were initiatives from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
In a statement, the city government described the recognition as a historic milestone that reflects Carmona's commitment to inclusive public services.
The city government also commended its Persons with Disability Affairs Office under the leadership of Rosebelle Mercurio, as well as Tomas Delos Santos of the Delos Santos Family Foundation, a major sponsor and partner of the Kalingayakap Shelter.
The LGU said this latest international recognition affirms its efforts to ensure that no resident is left behind through accessible and equitable government services.