MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government has launched the
Seal of Good Local Governance following the successful run of the Seal of Good Housekeeping.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the SGLG, which originated from the SGH program in 2010, is introduced to provide greater challenge to our local governments to continue good governance practices while providing better services.
The Seal of Good Housekeeping measured the levels of compliance to the DILG’s Full Disclosure Policy, particularly in the areas of budget, revenues and procurement, among others, having no adverse audit findings, as well as meeting the requirements of Anti-Red Tape Act.
“Panahon na para itaas ang pamantayan ng good local governance mula sa balangkas ng matino at tapat na pangangasiwang pinansyal.Tunay na napakahalaga nito – ngunit kulang sa pagsukat ng kung ano ang makabuluhan para sa mamamayan,” Roxas said.
He said some 1,372 local government units or about 84% of the total number of LGUs, have already met the minimum requirements of good housekeeping, which only shows their readiness to take on more challenges.
“Ibig sabihin, handa na ang karamihan ng mga LGUs para sa mas mataas at malawak na pamantayan ng good local governance,” Roxas said.
With the introduction of the SGLG, Roxas said the DILG aims for a condition where LGUs do not only sustain the practice of accountability and transparency, but are also able to prepare for the challenges posed by disasters and are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society.
He said the SGLG also drives LGUs to encourage investment and employment, protect the constituents from threats to life and security, and safeguard the integrity of the environment.
Roxas said for an LGU to become an SGLG recipient, it needs to pass all the three core assessment areas – Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas – Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order or Environmental Management.
LGUs meeting the minimum criteria shall not only be conferred with the SGLG, but will also entitle them to a package of incentives, such as the Performance Challenge Fund and access to other national performance-based programs.
For LGUs that do not make the mark, Roxas said the DILG will provide capacity development interventions for them to help them earn the prestigious seal.
“Walang iwanan. Tutulungan natin silang maiangat ang kakayahan ayon sa pamantayan ng SGLG sa pamamagitan ng capacity development assistance ng DILG at Local Government Academy,” Roxas said.
To be implemented annually starting this year, the SGLG will cover all provinces, cities and municipalities. The DILG with partner organizations shall select qualified LGUs starting on the third quarter, while the awarding shall take place in October of each year.
“The SGLG symbolizes integrity and good performance of local governments.Let it be a continuing challenge for provincial, city and municipal governments to do better today and in the years to come,”Roxas said.
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