THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced that a record-breaking 714 local government units (LGUs) will receive the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), marking the highest number of awardees in the program’s history.
The SGLG is an institutionalized recognition program that honors LGUs for excellence in governance. This year’s awardees include 41 provinces, 96 cities, and 577 municipalities. Notably, 22 LGUs have won the award for the eighth time, while 135 LGUs are being recognized for the first time.
Region III emerged as the top performer with 106 awardees, followed by Region I with 83 and Region VI with 62.
The DILG underscored that all awardees will receive an SGLG marker and access to the SGLG Incentive Fund, which supports local development projects aligned with national goals and strategic priorities.
This year’s assessment introduced enhanced outcome-based criteria designed to reward LGUs that demonstrate accountability and implement reforms.
The governance areas assessed include:
*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
*Youth development
The DILG commended all LGUs for their efforts, emphasizing the program’s role in promoting good governance and fostering development nationwide.