Northern Samar surpasses SGLG validation mark

CATARMAN, Northern Samar — The provincial government of Northern Samar on Sunday announced that it has passed all the 10 governance areas in this year's validation for the Seal of Good Local Governance, bolstering its chances of getting the coveted award for local government units this year.

Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed his gratitude to all members of the provincial government — particularly the heads of offices — for their dedication in meeting the SGLG indicators, a marked improvement from last year's performance where it passed in only four governance areas.

"You made our province proud. From having passed only four governance areas during our last SGLG assessment in 2022, we were able to pass all 10 governance areas in this year's validation," Ongchuan told Capitol employees.

The national validation team, led by assistant regional director Donald Seronay and LGOO III Recto Mantiza Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-CARAGA Regional Office, conducted a comprehensive review and on-site evaluation of 10 crucial governance areas last 21 September.

The validation team looked into the financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensitivity programs, 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.

It also visited key locations like the Provincial Capitol, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Operations Center and the Evacuation Center in Barangay Sta. Clara, Bobon.

The visits provided insights into the ongoing projects and initiatives led by the provincial government to address disaster resilience and risk management.

Seronay commended the province and municipal governments for their support emphasizing the importance of unity and a shared vision among local government entities, stating that achieving the SGLG is not just about monetary incentives but also serves as a testament to an LGU's commitment to serving its constituents to the best of its abilities.

Meantime, Ongchuan said that regardless of the final verdict, the national validation itself is a significant achievement for the province.

The SGLG national validation is conducted for LGUs that have already passed the regional level of validation or are considered potential passers. Alongside the provincial government of Northern Samar, the municipalities of Laoang, Gamay, San Antonio, Catarman and San Roque were also assessed.

The SGLG Awards, established by the enactment of Republic Act 11292, serve as an incentive and recognition-based program that encourages LGUs to continuously improve their performance in critical governance areas.