ORAS, Eastern Samar – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) bestowed this town with the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) last month. As an awardee, the local government unit (LGU) will have access to other national program windows such as the Grassroots Participatory Budget Process, PAMANA, Salintubig and special local road fund, as may be eligible based on DILG policies.
PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) is the national government’s framework and program for peace and development in conflict-affected areas. Salintubig (Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat) is a government program in response to increase access to safe water in the community. DILG conducts evaluation to all municipalities nationwide and chooses potential LGUs that perform well and qualify special national government projects. Launched in 2011 by former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, SGH is awarded by DILG to LGUs all over the Philippines that successfully meet the requirements of the full disclosure policy and proven to have no adverse or disclaimer audit findings by the Commission on Audit.
DILG scaled up SGH into the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) examining LGU’s performance in terms of good financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, social protection for the basic sector, business-friendly and competitiveness, environmental compliance, law and order, and public safety. “We are positive that Oras will be one of the first awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2014,” said Engr. Norina Dag-um, municipal planning and development coordinator, said. Dag-um added that they are doing their best to follow the criteria given by the DILG for the SGLG award. (NIZA APRIL M.PORTEZA, LNU Intern)
