"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."
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