Published on: September 30, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Zamboanga Peninsula – From September 11 to 15, 2023, the Department of the Interior and Local Government IX Regional Assessment Team composed of LGOO VII/LGCDD Chief Alvin Rex M. Lucero, LGOO IV Meredel Fe P. Fullo, DMO IV Pamela Grace G. Amantiad and DMO II Beatriz Faye G. Carreon, undertook a vital task by conducting the Onsite Validation process for the prestigious Layag Awards for Excellence in Local Governance.

This initiative represented a substantial stride in acknowledging and commemorating the remarkable achievements of local  government units (LGUs) within Zamboanga Peninsula. 

The Layag Awards for Excellence for Local Governance, an awards mechanism initiated by DILG IX, stand as a shining symbol of acknowledgement for LGUs in Zamboanga Peninsula that have demonstrated exceptional governance practices. The primary aim is to spotlight these outstanding accomplishments, with the intention of sparking inspiration and encouragement among other LGUs to replicate these triumphs. In this manner, the Layag Awards seek to cultivate other LGUs that can serve as exemplars, vigorously championing essential government initiatives within their communities and acting as catalysts for the advancement of excellence in local governance. 

The Local Government Units (LGUs) eligible for Onsite Validation encompass Dumalinao and Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur; Sergio Osmeña, Dapitan City, Dipolog City and Pres. Manuel A. Roxas in Zamboanga del Norte; and the cities of Zamboanga City and Isabela City. 

These LGUs have showcased an exceptional commitment and inventive approach across multiple aspects of governance, encompassing areas such as environmental protection, gender and development, health and management of infectious disease, tourism, education, peace and order, financial administration, e-governance, youth empowerment, business friendliness and competitiveness, citizen participation and knowledge management. 

The Onsite Validation procedure provided an opportunity for the DILG IX Regional Assessment Team to delve more profoundly into their accomplishments, enabling them to acquire an all-encompassing comprehension of the tactics and methods that have paved the way for their achievements.

The capstone of this assessment will be the Layag Awards Night, scheduled to take place on October 25, 2023. This prestigious event will be held as part of the weeklong celebration of the 32nd Local Government Code Month, where winning LGUs will be conferred with the Layag Awards for Excellence in Local Governance.

The recognition will not only honor the hard work and dedication of these LGUs but also serve as a source of inspiration for others to continue their pursuit of excellence in local governance.