Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Duterte signs law institutionalizing Seal of Good Local Governance

"Transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, preparedness for challenges posed by disasters, sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society, implementation of health programs, investment and employment promotion, protection of constituency from threats to life and damage to property, and safeguarding the integrity of the environment."
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signs the Republic Act 11033 'Converting the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology into a State University' and Republic Act 11032 or 'Ease of Doing Business Act' during the ceremonial enactment at Malacañan Palace on May 28, 2018. Joining the President are Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

A law establishing an incentive program that recognizes local government units (LGUs) engaged in good local governance has been signed into law by President Duterte.

Republic Act No. 11292, signed by the President last April 12, institutionalizes the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for local government units in a bid to promote quality governance and delivery of public services. A copy of the law was posted on the government website Tuesday.

“It is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize the good performance of local government units in transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, preparedness for challenges posed by disasters, sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society, implementation of health programs, investment and employment promotion, protection of constituency from threats to life and damage to property, and safeguarding the integrity of the environment,” the law read.

“In such recognition, the State hopes to encourage all LGUs to take on greater challenges, encourage outcome-based performance and to reward local governments for their effort in pursuing the general welfare of their constituency and in enforcing existing laws,” it added.

Under the law, the SGLC is now considered an award, incentive, honor and recognition-based program for all LGUs, as well as a continuing commitment for LGUs to continually progress and improve their performance.

The performance of LGUs will be reviewed in the areas of good fiscal administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensitivity programs, health compliance and responsiveness, education programs, business friendliness and competitiveness, public safety, environmental management, tourism and heritage development, and youth development.

A local government that qualifies and passes all assessment criteria will be conferred and awarded the SGLG and granted the corresponding incentive. The SGLG Incentive Fund has also been created under the annual national budget to bankroll the incentives wanted to winning lgus. It will be managed and administered by the Department of Interior and Local Government, the implementing agency of the law.

The new law has also created the Council of Good Local Governance that will serve as policy-making and advisory body to ensure the proper implementation of the SGLG. The council will be chaired by the DILG Secretary.

The members include the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Economic and Development Authority, Office of Civil Defense. - Manila Bulletin