THE city of Manila formally received on Monday from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the highly-prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), marking the very first time that the city had received such an honor.
Mayor Honey Lacuna thus made history by achieving what no other mayor before her ever did.
Along with the said seal, the DILG also handed over to Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo a P2 million check incentive.
Conferred by the DILG on the Manila city government last month, the SGLG symbolizes the dedication and efficiency of the Manila LGU under the stewardship of Lacuna, in promoting good local governance marked by transparency integrity and excellent delivery of services to all its constituents.
Lacuna said the award was made possible by the cooperation and support of the residents, city officials and employees whose dedication made Manila stand out to achieve the SGLG.
“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,” she said.
Lacuna added: “Para sa inyo ito, mga mahal kong Manilenyo. 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.”
The SGLG is an institutionalized, recognition-based program for excellent governance by LGUs. Awardees receive an SGLG marker and SGLG Incentive Fund to finance local development initiatives that can further national goals and strategic thrusts.
To become an awardee, LGUs must pass set governance areas, namely: financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity; health compliance and responsiveness; sustainable education; business-friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace and order; environmental management; tourism and public safety.
