CATBALOGAN CITY — The Provincial Government of Samar underwent the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Regional Assessment on June 13-14, 2024, at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall in Catbalogan City.
The assessment was conducted by the SGLG Regional Assessment Team from the Department of the Interior and Local Government Eastern Samar Provincial Office, led by Provincial Director Johannes Y. Dorado. The team evaluated documents and other Modes of Verification (MOVs) and interviewed department heads and program focal persons.
In her message, Board Member Fe Arcales emphasized the importance of striving for higher challenges and outcome-based performance. “Local government units are encouraged to take on greater challenges and achieve outcome-based performance. This recognition rewards efforts in pursuing the general welfare of the constituency and enforcing existing laws for the sake of good local governance,” she said.
BM Arcales also acknowledged the ongoing challenge and excitement for the SGLG Award. “While the Provincial Government is thankful for the commendations it has received, it also keeps every official and employee on their toes. We are excited, hopeful, and keeping our fingers crossed for the next SGLG Award,” she added.
To qualify for the SGLG Award, Samar Province must excel in ten governance areas: 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.
Following the document and site validation, the assessment team provided feedback, with PD Dorado commending the province for its thorough preparation for the SGLG Regional Assessment.
The DILG Regional Office will also conduct a Regional Calibration to determine which local government units (LGUs) will proceed to the National SGLG Assessment.
Samar Province is hopeful for another SGLG Award, which would reaffirm the Provincial Local Government Unit’s (PLGU) commitment to promoting good governance and ensuring effective public service delivery. The province previously received the SGLG Award in 2016, 2019, and 2023.
(Report and Photos By Golda Meir Tabao, Samar Provincial Information Office)
