In recognition of the exemplary performance of local government units (LGUs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX handed over Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) checks o twelve (12) LGUs in the region in a simple yet fitting awarding ceremony conducted last June 19, 2012 at Astoria Plaza, Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

The awarding of PCF checks was one of the highlights of the Regional Forum dubbed a Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation with Secretary                                 Jesse M. Robredo as guest of honor and attended by local chief executives (LCEs), local government officials, representatives of National Government Agencies (NGAS) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), among others.

PCF-recipients LGUs were the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay and the municipalities of Titay, Diplahan, Siay, Tungawan, Buug and Ipil; Manuel Roxas, Polanco and Sergio Osmeña of Zamboanga del Norte, and he towns of Aurora and Dumingag of Zamboanga del Sur, respectively.

The above-mentioned LGUs received from Secretary Robredo and DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil the checks amounting to P7 Million for the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay which was received by Governor Rommel A. Jalosjos and P1 Million each for the municipalities, duly received by their respective LCEs.

This award system initiative of the DILG is a strategy to encourage all LGUs to improve and enhance local government performance in line with the battle-cry of the Aquino administration of “Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap.”

One of the parameters of the PCF project is the compliance of the LGUs to the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) which included compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP).

In his message to the local officials, Secretary Robredo emphasized the LGU performance and efficiency is measured through the SGH. “Kapag ang LGU ay may SGH, ibig sabihin, maayos and pamamalakad ng isang lokal na pamahalaan,” Secretary Robredo said.

For his part, Director Abutazil encouraged the rest of Region IX LGUs to level-up their efforts in terms of performance. “Exemplary performance exhibited by our LGUs will always be recognized by the DILG, and one way of doing so is through the awarding and/or granting of monetary incentives such as the PCF, to deserving LGUs,” Director Abuazil said.

The PCF subsidy received by the twelve (12) LGUs are intended for the various development projects in their respective localities.