• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental and 18 local government units recently received a total of P33,918,000 in incentive funds from the Department of Interior and Local Government, for passing the Seal of Good Local Governance.
Negros Occidental received P3 million, while 12 cities each received P2 million, and six municipalities were awarded P1,153,000.
The 12 cities include Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Escalante, Himamaylan, La Carlota, Sagay, San Carlos, Silay, Sipalay, Talisay, and Victorias, while the six municipalities are Enrique B. Magalona, Hinigaran, Ilog, Isabela, La Castellana, and Manapla.
The ceremonial turnover of cheques was led by DILG NIR OIC Regional Director Lailyn Ortiz, DILG NIR OIC Assistant Regional Director Teodora Sumagaysay, DILG Bacolod City Director Christian Nagaynay, and Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, which was recently held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
The SGLG (Seal of Good Local Governance) is the highest and most prestigious recognition awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to local government units (LGUs) that demonstrate excellence in governance.
In his speech, Gov. Lacson emphasized that the SGLG Incentive Fund is not only a celebration of achievements but also an affirmation of commitment to transparent, accountable, and effective governance.
“This incentive fund is not just a financial boost – it is an investment in the future of our communities. I trust that each LGU will maximize these resources to implement priority projects that will improve the lives of our people,” Lacson said.*
