By Lizbeth Ann A. Abella
CARIGARA, Leyte, Aug. 23 (PNA) – This town, one the biggest in Leyte, got the 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance, elating local government officials.
First termer Mayor Eduardo C. Ong of this town feels vindicated from all criticism hurled against him after the town received such recognition.
In Leyte, only three towns were able to secure the seal, to include Jaro and Barugo, headed by experienced mayors.
Earlier this week, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas sent a personal letter to mayor Ong, congratulating him for the achievement.
Roxas said the DILG is happy to be part in the town’s effort to improve the services and the continuing development of their place.
The seal of good local governance requires the local government unit to meet the standards of the three core components and at least one of the essential components.
The DILG conducted an assessment in 2014 as basis for the conferment of the 2015 seal.
The local government has met all the criteria of the core components of the seal as follows, the good financial housekeeping, social protection, and disaster preparedness.
The town also met two of the three essential components of the seal – business-friendliness, competitiveness and peace and order.
The seal entitles the town to access the Performance Challenge Fund for this year, and allows the town to secure the Good Financial Housekeeping GFH Certification for loan purposes and provides opportunity to avail other national program windows such as Bottom-Up budgeting Program and the water supply project.
Ong informed that their town is also working to complete environmental management, material recovery facility and the 10-year plan to comply with all the three essential components of the seal, although the town only has to comply at least one of the three essential components to pass the seal.
“The seal also served as a challenge to my leadership, to continue what I have started, and to better the services to my constituents,” said Ong.
Ong is hopeful that with the seal people will share his passion in pushing more meaningful programs to improve the people’s lives. (PNA)