The DILG National Capital Region held its annual Urban Governance Exemplar Awards (UGEA) on October 28, 2024 at the Novotel Manila in Quezon City. Aiming to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of the DILG partner-agencies and the 17 National Capital Region local government units, the awarding ceremony highlighted the successful collaborations and distinct achievements of the awardees as they worked along with the Department in the different audits and programs during the past year. The UGEA also awarded the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards winners and the Manila Bay Clean-Up Rehabilitation and Preservation Program LGU Compliance Audit (MBCRPP-LGUCA) winners.

In her opening remarks, DILG NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III welcomed the participants and encouraged them to bask in the glory of the accomplishments of the past year. She recognized the expertise and diverse perspectives shared by both the partner-agencies and NCR local government units for the programs they have been part of. 

“All of your innovative solutions have led to the upskilled competencies of our local government units, which is shown by the NCR LGUs performing beyond the usual standard. As witnessed in the upward trend of Seal of Good Local Governance passers in the National Capital Region, this marks as a testament of our LGUs reaping the fruits of their labor,” RD Agustin mentioned.

Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division Chief personally acknowledged the presence of the representatives from the many partner-agencies and representatives from the different local government units. He also underscored the value of celebrating the improvements of the local government units who have tirelessly devoted so much time and effort in unleashing their potential in the performance audits conducted during the past year.

Guest speaker DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lillian M. de Leon thanked the participants for taking part in the ceremony.

“This celebration shows how we can all emulate and adopt the effective and sustainable urban governance that all our local government units and partner-agencies have accomplished. We are grateful to extend our appreciation to all present here today for supporting the DILG and its programs,” she mentioned.

The first part of the awarding ceremony recognized the partner agencies such as the Manila Water Company, Inc., Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Anti-Drug Abuse Council Federation, Aftercare Manila International Justice Mission, Catholic Relief Services, Congregation of the Living Faith Jesus Ministry, Inc., Liga ng mga Barangay National Capital Region, Pangingisda Natin Gawing Tama Network, Sanlakbay Program, University of the P National College of Public Administration and Governance – Center for Local and Regional Governance, Bureau of Fire Protection – NCR, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – NCR, Dangerous Drugs Board, Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – NCR, Department of Budget and Management – NCR, Department of Education – NCR, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – NCR, Environmental Management Bureau – NCR, Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development – NCR, Department of Justice National Prosecution Service, Department of Science and Technology – NCR, Department of Social Welfare and Development – NCR, Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – DOJ, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Metro Manila Development Authority, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, National Capital Region Police Office, National Housing Authority, National Nutrition Council – NCR, Office of Civil Defense – NCR, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Information Agency – NCR, Philippine National Police – Maritime, Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children – NCR, and Branch 118 Regional Trial Court – Pasay City.

For the second part, all 17 National Capital Region local government units received their respective accomplishments from the Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program (MBCRPP), the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs), Peace and Order Councils (POCs), Local Committees against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWCs), Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs), Child-friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA) different audits of the DILG-NCR. 

Also, the LTIA 2024 top three regional winners were announced: Barangay 170 of Caloocan (1^st place), Barangay Panghulo of Malabon (2^nd place), and Barangay Poblacion of Muntinlupa (3^rd place). The winners of the Manila Bay Clean-Up Rehabilitation and Preservation Program LGU Compliance Audit (MBCRPP-LGUCA) local government units were also acknowledged and awarded: Makati (1^st place), Paranaque (2^nd place), and Quezon City (3^rd place).

In her closing remarks, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, highlighted the dedication and innovative spirit that defined all the efforts of the partner agencies and local government units. 

“As we go back to our homes later this evening, I urge each of you to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Let us foster a culture of collaboration wherein ideas and resources flow freely, empowering every local government unit to reach new heights,” ARD Baltazar-Cortez mentioned.

Hosted by DJ Gabby Rondael with a special musical performance by Kontra Gapi, the Urban Governance Exemplar Awards 2024 was spearheaded by the DILG-NCR’s Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division, whose personnel is in charge of the success and innovations of the many different performance audits that were acknowledged in the UGEA 2024.