By Ricky Bautista
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Catbalogan, led by Mayor Dexter Uy, has been awarded the esteemed 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Thursday, November 14.
This award brings honor to LGU’s, including Catbalogan City, and celebrate its commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in public service.
The award, first earned by Catbalogan in 2016, underscores years of consistent effort in meeting high standards across critical areas of governance. Since then, the city has sustained achievements through efficient management and a dedication to public service.
“This award is a testament to our collective commitment to meet the needs of our people through honest and effective policies,” Mayor Uy said.
“Our administration will continue striving for high-quality services that foster progress and growth for our city.”
The DILG announced this year’s SGLG awardees on November 14, recognizing 41 provinces, 96 cities, and 577 municipalities across the country for their governance standards. A statement on the SGLG’s official Facebook page praised the 714 awardees, calling them “an inspiration” for their commitment to excellence and public service.
In Eastern Visayas, there are 3 provinces, 5 cities and 45 municipalities that got the 2024 SGLG award.
The provinces are Northern Samar, Samar and Southern Leyte. While the cities are Baybay, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc and Tacloban.
The municipalities are the following:
Biliran: Almeria, Kawayan and Naval
Leyte: Alangalang, Albuera, Barugo, Hilongos, Kananga, San Miguel and Tabontabon.
Southern Leyte: Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, San Juan, Silago, Sogod, Saint Bernard, and Tomas Oppos.
Samar: Basey, Calbiga, Jiabong, Marabut, Motiong and Paranas.
Eastern Samar: Arteche, Gen. Macarthur, Guiuan, Quinapondan and Sulat
Northern Samar: Bobon, Catarman, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Mapanas, Palapag, Pambujan, San Antonio, and San Roque.
The SGLG is a national award that incentivizes local government units (LGUs) meeting the highest benchmarks in governance. LGUs are evaluated across several core and essential areas, including:
Financial Administration and Sustainability – Ensuring transparent, accountable, and effective fiscal management.
Disaster Preparedness – Demonstrating proactive planning and responsiveness to natural disasters.
Social Protection and Sensitivity – Prioritizing inclusivity and the needs of vulnerable groups.
Health Compliance and Responsiveness – Meeting public health standards and providing reliable healthcare services.
Education – Promoting accessible and high-quality education.
Environmental Management – Practicing sustainable environmental stewardship.
Peace and Order – Maintaining safety and reducing crime.
With the SGLG, LGUs like Catbalogan become eligible for the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), which provides financial support for priority projects that enhance local infrastructure and services. The SGLG is a “progressive” seal, encouraging continuous improvement among LGUs across the Philippines.
For the complete list of awardees, please scan below the QR code of the SGLG.
Through this award, Catbalogan City stands as a model of effective governance and a resilient community dedicated to sustainable progress. | The Samar Chronicle
