DILG conducts LGU validation for SGLG programs in Ilocos Norte

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ILOCOS NORTE — To promote transparency and elevate the level of good governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is currently conducting onsite validation of local government units in the province based on the prescribed criteria of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) survey.

Since Tuesday, the Regional Assessment Team (RAT) of the DILG is in Laoag City, checking transparency boards placed in conspicuous areas at the Capitol lobby, Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, and at the provincial government hospital, among others.

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-39, mandates that all local government units shall be assessed by the Regional Assessment Teams (RATs) from May to July 2014, using the prescribed criteria which vary by LGU level and income class.

The assessment shall focus on six component areas which include the following: Good Financial Housekeeping (known as Seal of Good Housekeeping), Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order; and Environmental Management.

The RAT is composed of two representatives from the DILG, together with one Civil Society Organization (CSO) representative as key persons during the conduct of the validation process.

After the successful conduct of the Seal of Good Housekeeping where all local government units in the province successfully passed the validation, the SGLG is an upgraded version of the former meant to recognize and reward the good performance of provincial, city and municipality governments, not only on financial housekeeping, but also on other areas that directly benefit the people.

In order to become a recipient of the SGLG, a local government shall pass all three core assessment areas, namely: Good Financial Housekeeping, Disaster Preparedness and Social Protection; and at least one essential assessment area namely: Business Friendly and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, or Environmental Management.

The Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) shall serve as the operational platform and performance oversight tool of the SGLG.

Recipients of the SGLG are eligible to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) which is a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts.

Eyeing for the SGLG, the Ilocos Norte government hopes to meet all the set criteria by meeting all the demands as indicated in the pre-assessment survey.