By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Following a comprehensive assessment, a national validation team has recommended Bago City as a candidate for the prestigious 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), recognizing the city’s excellence in governance and public service.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla, who led the validation team, said Bago City achieved “exceeds the expectation” ratings in almost all governance areas assessed.
“Bago City is now subject to the final deliberation of the Council of Good Local Governance,” Pedraza-Abadilla said, adding, “Congratulations for the job well done, and I know that with or without the SGLG, you will continue the culture of performance in your city.”
The SGLG, a highly regarded national award, assesses local government units (LGUs) based on 10 key areas of governance, including financial administration, disaster preparedness, and social protection.
Outstanding Performance Areas
Bago City received top marks, particularly in the areas of Safety, Peace, and Order, receiving a perfect score of five for its support to local police efforts in reducing crime and addressing drug-related issues. The city also excelled in other areas, including:
- Financial Administration and Sustainability: Full disclosure policy compliance.
- Health Compliance and Responsiveness: Strong local investment in health.
- Tourism, Heritage, Culture, and the Arts: Establishment of a Tourist Information and Assistance Center.
- Disaster Preparedness: Effective evacuation management, a well-resourced Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center, and a community-based disaster risk reduction plan.
- Environmental Management: Notable initiatives in solid waste management, wetlands protection, and park development.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo attributed the city’s achievements to a collective effort, saying, “The SGLG program brings out the best in everyone, and our commitment to excellence in local governance keeps us striving for better service.”
Yulo added that winning the SGLG would affirm the city’s dedication to its constituents.
“Striving for excellence enhances both employee performance and community service,” he said.
History of Success
Bago City first earned the SGLG in 2015 under the leadership of then-Mayor Ramon Torres, now the city’s vice mayor. The city won the award again in 2017 during Yulo’s first term as mayor.
Vice Mayor Torres praised the city’s ongoing success, noting, “We are proud of our hardworking city hall team for sustaining the gains we initiated many years back.”
Final Deliberation Awaited
The SGLG award, granted by the DILG, is highly coveted by LGUs nationwide, recognizing outstanding governance, transparency, accountability, and community service.
Bago City awaits the final decision from the Council of Good Local Governance, following this positive recommendation from the validation team.
The national validation team included DILG-Bukidnon Local Government Operations Officer V Alicia Claire Popera, alongside representatives from DILG-Negros Occidental and other local officials.
