• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Outstanding local government units (LGUs) and barangays in Negros Occidental described as local governance champions received a total of P8.9 million in cash incentives from the provincial government on Wednesday, June 24.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the distribution of checks to 71 barangays from 18 LGUs across the province in a ceremony held at Negros Residences in Bacolod City.
Each of the barangays received P100,000 after being recognized as national awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays, a program that recognizes excellence in local governance and public service.
The provincial government also awarded P100,000 each to provincial winners of the Local Legislative Award, including the cities of San Carlos, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, Victorias, and Talisay as well as the municipalities of Calatrava, Murcia, La Castellana, and Candoni.
Outstanding barangays were also honored through the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards, which cites exemplary performance in community-based conflict resolution.
Among the awardees were San Jose in E.B. Magalona, Poblacion in Bago City, Fabrica in Sagay City, Buenavista in Calatrava, San Miguel in Murcia, Poblacion 2 in Isabela, Poblacion 1 in Pontevedra, Banga in Candoni, and Tibsoc in San Enrique.
In his speech, Lacson emphasized that the Seal of Good Local Governance represents more than an award, describing it as a symbol of strong dedication to transparent, accountable, and effective public service.
“The Seal of Good Local Governance is not merely a recognition but a reflection of our commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance,” Lacson said.
He thanked the Department of the Interior and Local Government for fostering a culture of accountability and excellence among LGUs and highlighted the provincial government’s efforts to pursue reforms, embrace innovation, strengthen coordination, and implement development programs aligned with legal mandates and the province’s agenda.
Lacson also credited local government officials and personnel for making these achievements possible through their dedication and cooperation.
He encouraged barangay leaders to use the recognition as motivation to continue delivering efficient and transparent public service, noting that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level.
“The transformation we aspire for our nation starts in our barangays,” Lacson said. | GPB
