Representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos recognized top local government units and civil society organizations for promoting innovation and exemplifying leadership for better public service delivery and conferred to them the coveted 2023 Galing Pook Award.

In his message during the 2023 Galing Pook Awarding Ceremony in Pasay City over the weekend, Abalos, himself a recipient of multiple Galing Pook awards during his term as mayor of Mandaluyong City, congratulated the winners and urged them to collaborate with the DILG and Galing Pook Foundation in helping other LGUs emulate their transformative projects in their respective communities.

"This October marks the anniversary of the Local Government Code of the Philippines. It speaks of autonomy, it speaks of devolution. And these winners, who exhibited beautiful projects, these are the epitome of true devolution, excellence, innovation, and resourcefulness," Abalos said.

"Kaya ang hihilingin ko sa inyo, work with us sa DILG, Galing Pook and let's replicate these (programs) to other LGUs… It's not just about winning, it's not just about the awards. It's also about sharing these beautiful practices to other (LGUs)," he added.

President Marcos, in a message read by the Secretary, also lauded the winners for their innovative and excellent programs that address various local challenges and improve the lives of their constituents. "Your unwavering dedication and innovative spirit are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Filipino people."

The President also thanked the Galing Pook Foundation for empowering LGUs and CSOs to develop programs and social innovations for improved public service delivery.

The winners of the 2023 Galing Pook Awards are:
Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte: Seal of Health Governance
Davao Oriental Province: Happy Home
General Santos City: Shari'a Atas Bitiara
Makati City: Virtual Queuing Management System for Health Centers
Iloilo Province: Mobilizing Communities through People-Centered Zero Open Defecation Movement Towards Sustainable Sanitation
Pasig City: Prehospital Care and Emergency Medical Services Medical Control Program
Bayawan City, Negros Oriental: Fish From The Mountains: Bayawan Inland Aquaculture
Bataan Province: 1Bataan Seal of Healthy Barangay
Barangay Taloot, Argao, Cebu: Barangay Taloot Community-Based Integrated Approach
Quezon City: iRISE UP (Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population)
Meanwhile, the 2023 Galing Pook Citizenship Awards winners were the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation; Health Futures Foundation, Inc.; and Espoir School of Life. They received a trophy designed and carved by renowned Filipino visual artist Toym Imao.

The Galing Pook Awards winners were chosen from 166 applications from different local governments in the country. The applicants were trimmed down to 17 finalists, who then made panel presentations and underwent probing questions by a board of judges led by the DILG Secretary.

Launched on 21 October 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has already recognized over 330 LGU programs from at least 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.