The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognized 45 local government units in Cebu on Sunday for passing the Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) program.

The cities of Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Naga, Talisay, Toledo and Cebu were acknowledged for their commitment to transparency, accountability and strong financial management.

Meantime, the 37 municipalities in northern and southern Cebu recognized for their exemplary financial management are Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Aloguinsan, Argao, Asturias, Badian, Balamban, Bantayan, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Liloan, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Oslob, Pinamungajan, Samboan, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Santander, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan and Tuburan.

The 2024 GFH criteria for LGUs include two main requirements — the most recent Commission on Audit (CoA) report must have an unqualified or qualified audit opinion, based on the annual audit report posted on the CoA website by 27 September 2024, the deadline for the Seal of Good Local Governance National Validation.

Also, local government units must comply with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) by ensuring that required financial documents are posted on time and in full, both in three public locations and on the FDP Portal for the second to fourth quarters of 2023, and the first quarter of 2024.

The provinces of Bohol and Siquijor also passed the 2024 GFH assessment. Tagbilaran City in Bohol, and the cities of Bais, Bayawan, and Guihulngan in Negros Oriental also qualified.

Bohol had 40 municipalities recognized, Negros Oriental 12, and Siquijor two.

The GFH award acknowledges an LGU’s compliance with accounting and auditing standards, as well as adherence to the FDP, which requires the prompt and thorough posting of financial documents.

It also highlights the LGUs’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance while ensuring integrity and transparency in the management of public funds.