The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the sixth Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award to the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) in recognition of the latter’s commitment to efficient leadership and outstanding public service.
Bontoc is dubbed as an SGLG Hall of Famer after having been conferred the prestigious honor for the years 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., congratulated a total of 493 LGUs to include 28 provinces, 64 cities, and 401 municipalities, for meeting the stringent criteria for this year’s assessment.
Further, all municipalities, including Bontoc, that were conferred the prestigious award are entitled to a total of 1.8-million which shall be utilized to support local development initiatives aligned with national goals.
In an interview, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., expressed his gratitude for being conferred the prestigious SGLG award adding that this recognition serves as a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Bontoc community towards building a resilient and more progressive municipality.
“Our success in achieving the sixth SGLG award is not only a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our local government officials and employees but also a shared triumph that belongs to every Ifontok for always showing their support and cooperation. We value the trust and support of our constituents, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that Bontoc remains a beacon of good governance and a model for others to emulate,” he said.
As stipulated under Republic Act No. 11292 or “The Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019,” LGUs must pass 10 assessment criteria across various governance areas which includes the following: financial administration; 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.
The 2023 SGLG seal was received by Mayor Tudlong, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Lourdes Claire Peel, Municipal Planning and Development Officer Virginia Kawi, Planning Development Officer I Knittle Jane Lingbanan, Administrative IV Ross Kiat-ong, and MDRRM Officer Johanna Padaen on December 13, 2023, at the Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila. **Christy Mae C. Pangesfan, Bontoc LGU