SGLG AWARDING: Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino (second from
left) poses with Quezon Governor Helen Tan who was one of awardees as the senator stressed the culture of innovation and transparency among local government units.
MANILA, Philippines 鈥撀燬enator Francis 鈥淭ol鈥� Tolentino hailed the recipients of this year鈥檚 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), as he acknowledged the role of local government units (LGUs) as the 鈥渂edrock of national development.鈥�
鈥淲hen our towns, cities, and provinces thrive, so does the Philippines,鈥� said Tolentino, who himself rose from the ranks of local chief executives, in his speech at the SGLG national awarding ceremonies held in Manila.
鈥淭hrough your efforts, you have set a standard of excellence that others should emulate, proving that effective leadership transforms lives and strengthens communities,鈥� noted the former three-term mayor of Tagaytay City, Cavite, and former president of the League of Cities of the Philippines.
鈥滾ocal government units (LGUs) are the bedrock of national development.鈥� This was the main message of Senator Francis 鈥淭OL鈥� Tolentino to the LGUs who received this year鈥檚 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in ceremonies held in Manila. Tolentino himself rose from the ranks of local chief executives 鈥� and is credited for transforming Tagaytay City into a premiere tourism destination.
鈥淎s a nation, it is our duty to value and honor such accomplishments,鈥� he added. 鈥淭ogether, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines). One that uplifts every citizen and ensures a brighter future for generations to come.鈥�
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For his part, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who previously served as Cavite governor, shared that he emulated聽 the leadership style of the then Tagaytay City mayor when he first entered public service in the 90s. Remulla also credited Tolentino for transforming Tagaytay into a premier tourist destination.
Of the 714 LGU recipients of this year鈥檚 SGLG, 41 are provinces, 96 are cities, and 577 are municipalities.
Among them are several Cavite LGUs, including the cities of Tagaytay, Cavite, Dasmari帽as, General Trias, Trece Martires, Imus, and the municipalities of Alfonso, General Mariano Alvarez, Indang, Maragondon, Mendez, and Rosario.
Governance categories assessed for the SGLG are the following: 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, heritage development, culture and arts; and youth development.