The Seal of Good Local Governance or SGLG was introduced in 2014 by then Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas. It originated from the department’s Seal of Good Housekeeping program introduced in 2010.
The Seal of Good Housekeeping then only measured the levels of compliance to the Department’s Full Disclosure Policy, particularly in the areas of budget, revenues and procurement, among others, having no adverse Commission on Audit findings, as well as meeting the requirements of anti-red tape act.
Roxas, on the other hand, explained that SGLG or ‘Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Local’ was conceptualized to provide greater challenge to local governments to continue good governance practices while providing better service.
“Panahon na para itaas ang pamantayan ng good local governance mula sa balangkas ng matino at tapat na pangangasiwang pinansyal. Tunay na napakahalaga nito — ngunit kulang sa pagsukat ng kung ano ang makabuluhan para sa mamamayan,” Roxas said during the launching of the campaign.
The local government unit needs to pass all three core assessments in order to receive the SGLG award. These include Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and at least one from the essential assessment areas such as Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace & Order or Environmental Management.
With the Municipality of Angono meeting all the criteria, it has not only conferred with the SGLG for the past two years but was also entitled to a package of incentives, such as the Performance Challenge Fund and access to other national performance-based programs.
Roxas noted that SGLG expects that local government units do not only sustain the practice of accountability and transparency (Good Financial Housekeeping), but are also able to prepare for the challenges posed by disasters (Disaster Preparedness), and are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society (Social Protection).
The secretary added the SGLG also drives LGUs to encourage investment and employment (Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness); protect the constituents from threats to life and security (Peace and Order); and safeguard the integrity of the environment (Environmental Management).
“The SGLG symbolizes integrity and good performance of local governments. Let it be a continuing challenge for provincial, city and municipal governments to do better today and in the years to come,” Roxas said.
