Published on: February 04, 2024 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX successfully hosted the Governance Excellence Awards in Region IX (GEAR IX) at the Pavilion Hall, Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City, on February 02, 2024. 

The gathering, adorned by notable figures, sought to acknowledge and commemorate the remarkable initiatives of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula, emphasizing their role in advancing good governance and fostering the comprehensive development of the community. 

The proceedings kicked off with DILG IX Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Chief, Jose Ruel D. Trobanos, extending acknowledgement to the participants. Subsequently, DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, delivered the Opening Message. RD Abutazil underscored the essential role of LGUs as the nation’s backbone, emphasizing their transformative leadership and steadfast commitment to converting challenges into opportunities. 

Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Governor Victor J. Yu presented the Keynote Message, emphasizing the significance of cooperation between the government and local communities to achieve sustainable development. 

Recognitions were granted to exceptional LGUs across different categories, such as those excelling in Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC), the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB), and the official bestowal of the Seal  of Good Local Governance Incentive Funds (SGLGIF). 

The accolade for the Oustanding Performance Award for ADACs acknowledged the remarkable accomplishments and valuable contributions made by Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in efficiently executing strategies to address drug abuse and advance the goal of a drug-free community. 

The Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB) was granted to barangays that exhibited outstanding performance in essential governance areas, fostering and advocating for commendable governance practices at the local level. 

The official bestowal of the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF) involved presenting ceremonial checks to LGUs that met the criteria and attained the SGLG, offering financial incentives to bolster and promote the ongoing implementation of commendable governance practices.

The official bestowal of the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF) involved presenting ceremonial checks to LGUs that met the criteria and attained the SGLG, offering financial incentives to bolster and promote the ongoing implementation of commendable governance practices.  

Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, the Assistant Regional Director of DILG IX, conveyed the importance of GEAR IX as a pivotal undertaking designed to motivate LGUs to aspire for national accolades in the realm of good governance. The initiative, GEAR IX, is in harmony with the mission of RD Abutazil, to enhance the number of LGUs achieving distinction in these esteemed national awards. 

GEAR IX serves as evidence of the devotion and determination of LGUs in Region IX to attain elevated governance standards, promote advancement, and safeguard the welfare of their communities.