Quezon awarded Seal of Good Local Governance

By Nimfa Estrellado Governor Angelina Tan leads Quezon to SGLG victory, joined by 8 municipal mayors in The Tent City, Manila Hotel on Decem...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Governor Angelina Tan leads Quezon to SGLG victory, joined by 8 municipal mayors in The Tent City, Manila Hotel on December 10. (Photo from Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan has once again proven Quezon Province's excellence in local governance, the province, along with eight of its municipalities, received the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award at a national ceremony in The Tent City, Manila Hotel on December 10. This distinguished honor recognizes Quezon's exceptional dedication to public service and efficient administration.

The SGLG, part of an institutionalized program launched in 2014 and evolved from the 2010 Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), sets a shining example for other provinces across the Philippines. It demonstrates how effective leadership, transparency, and a dedication to teamwork can create a thriving and prosperous community. This year (2024) marks a record high for the SGLG, with 714 LGUs receiving the award, including 41 provinces, 96 cities, and 577 municipalities.



Governor Tan, who personally received the award alongside Vice Governor Third Alcala, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this success. "It's a concerted effort of everyone, and it's proof that we are doing our best in the Capitol to streamline processes and improve our systems for the benefit of all residents," she remarked.

This collaborative approach, a cornerstone of the Quezon Provincial Government's HEALING agenda (Health, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood and Infrastructure, Natural resources and environment, and Good governance), is evident throughout the province. The eight municipalities sharing in this victory are Candelaria, Dolores, General Nakar, Gumaca, Pagbilao, Real, Sampaloc, and Mauban.

This success highlights the dedication to good governance not only at the provincial level but also at the grassroots. With these eight municipalities contributing to the impressive total of 48 SGLG awardees in the CALABARZON region, it's clear that Quezon is a leader in promoting effective and accountable local governance.

Quezon Province's success exemplifies how effective governance can positively transform communities. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and efficiency, the province has fostered an environment that promotes economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. This achievement serves as an inspiration for other LGUs across the Philippines, demonstrating that with strong leadership and a dedication to serving the people, real progress is possible.

The SGLG award is a mark of distinction, recognizing LGUs that meet the DILG's stringent criteria across ten key governance areas. These include financial administration; disaster preparedness; social protection; health compliance; sustainable education; business-friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace, and order; environmental management; tourism, heritage development, culture, and arts; and youth 1 development.

These areas are assessed based on the LGUs' capacity to deliver basic services, adherence to good governance principles (like transparency and accountability), and overall performance. This includes evaluating the accomplishment of plans, fund utilization, and frontline service delivery. Leadership plays a crucial role in determining the awardees, the DILG reiterated.

Beyond the prestige, the SGLG award brings tangible benefits. Awardees receive the SGLG marker and gain access to the SGLG Incentive Fund, which will be utilized to finance local development initiatives to bolster national goals and strategic thrusts. This funding will empower Quezon Province and its awarded municipalities to continue their progress, implementing initiatives that directly benefit communities and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla commended the awardees, stating, “Good governance should unite us all. Politics divide us, but good governance should put us all together.” Quezon Province's success story serves as an inspiration for LGUs nationwide, demonstrating that by working together and prioritizing the needs of their communities, they can create a brighter future for all.