By Rachel Magday
In a landmark achievement, the province of Nueva Vizcaya has been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Often referred to as the “mother of all awards” for local government units, the SGLG recognizes exemplary governance and service delivery across various critical areas.
Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, along with DILG Provincial Director Catherine Alam Miranda, accepted the award during a ceremony held today at The Tent City, Manila Hotel.
This marks the first time Nueva Vizcaya has received this prestigious accolade, highlighting the province’s commitment to excellence in governance.
Nueva Vizcaya successfully passed all ten areas of governance evaluated for the SGLG award. These areas include:
- Financial Administration and Sustainability – Ensuring sound financial management and fiscal responsibility.
- Disaster Preparedness – Establishing effective measures for disaster risk reduction and management.
- Social Protection and Sensitivity – Providing inclusive social services and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable sectors.
- Health Compliance and Responsiveness – Delivering quality healthcare services and maintaining public health standards.
- Sustainable Education – Promoting accessible and quality education for all.
- Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness – Fostering an environment conducive to business growth and economic development.
- Safety, Peace, and Order – Maintaining public safety and ensuring a peaceful community.
- Environmental Management – Implementing sustainable practices for environmental conservation and protection.
- Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts – Preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism and local arts.
- Youth Development – Empowering the youth through programs focused on their growth and active participation in governance.
In addition to the provincial government, six municipalities within Nueva Vizcaya were also honored with the SGLG award. The municipalities of Kasibu, Ambaguio, Villaverde, Solano, Aritao, and Kayapa were recognized for their outstanding performance in these areas of governance.
The awarding ceremony celebrated the efforts of local government units in promoting transparency, accountability, and service efficiency. The SGLG award serves as a testament to Nueva Vizcaya’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its residents through effective governance.
Governor Gambito expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a reflection of our collective efforts and commitment to serving the people of Nueva Vizcaya. As we embark on a journey of unity and collaboration, we recognize that it is the key to our development. Together, we can achieve greater heights and ensure a brighter future for our province. I would also like to give credit to the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla, whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for the progress we are witnessing today. Let this award inspire us to continue working hand in hand for the benefit of all.”
