The city government of Victorias successfully completed the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) national evaluation Sept. 9 at the Victorias Aquatic Center Pavilion II.
For the third consecutive year, the Victorias local government unit (LGU) is vying for the prestigious SGLG award, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in local governance.
The evaluation process involved a rigorous assessment, including an ocular inspection and an extensive document review.
“We continuously collaborate with our stakeholders, civil organizations, and NGOs in planning, crafting policies, and implementing relevant programs,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in his opening message.
He emphasized that transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in reporting and information gathering remain at the core of the city’s governance efforts.
The national evaluation team from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region III assessed the financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensitivity program, safety, peace, and order, business-friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, tourism, heritage development, culture, and arts, youth development, sustainable programs, and health compliance and responsiveness of the LGU.
The panel of evaluators was led by DILG Bukidnon provincial director Rhona Abadilla and DILG Region X LGOO V Alicia Claire Popera. They were joined by DILG cluster head and CLGOO VII Maria Nove Mejica, LGOO III Janelle Maraya Paderog, and CLGOO Michelle Arriola, the city said in a press release Sept. 10.
In her assessment, Abadilla commended the LGU for its outstanding performance, noting that the team consistently exceeded the set indicators on good governance.
She praised the city government’s clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, effective execution, and strong communication efforts to keep the community informed.
“Hats off to everyone,” Abadilla remarked, acknowledging the collective effort of all involved.
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, along with city councilors, barangay captains, department heads, PNP chief of police Lt. Col. Roy Rodrigo Gutierrez, School Division superintendent Portia Mallorca, and city employees also participated in the SGLG evaluation.
With optimism and determination, the Victorias LGU looks forward to once again earn the Seal of Good Local Governance this year, reaffirming its commitment to exemplary public service, the city said. ||
