The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED), successfully conducted the 2023 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards on October 25, 2023, Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City.

Under the banner theme “Upholding Excellence In Local Governance Towards an Inclusive, Resilient, and Safe NCR,” the awards showcased the exceptional performance of Local Government Units (LGUs) and their partner organizations from the public and private sectors, and civil society. These awards celebrate the remarkable results the LGUs achieved in the DILG’s various audits and assessments and highlight the dynamism of local governance in the National Capital Region.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, kicked off the ceremony by expressing her gratitude to the distinguished men and women behind the awards as well as the esteemed awardees who will be honored during the event. She stressed the prestige bestowed by the awards upon the recipients and its significance as an inspiration for future public servants to strive for excellence in the service of the people.

Director Agustin remarked, “Today’s event goes beyond simply acknowledging outstanding performance; it is also about inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of these exemplary LGUs and adopt the best practices that enabled them to deliver such stellar results.”

In her address, Director Agustin highlighted the various programs and assessments included in the awards, including the Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program (MBCRPP), the government’s flagship anti-illegal drug campaign “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA), 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), the Local Legislative Awards (LLA), and the HAPAG-KILALA and HAPAG-KALINGA awards.

From environmental protection to anti-drug abuse, women and children’s rights, barangay justice, and food security, the 2023 Urban Governance and Exemplar Awards cover the entire spectrum of governance areas.

Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan, CESO III, also shared his insights during the event. His address focused on the role of local government units as gatekeepers for positive change, working towards the improvement of the lives of all citizens.

“Amidst the hustle and bustle of our metropolis, we witness innovation, resilience, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Our LGUs are not merely administrators; they are the architects of change. They shape the environment that ensures that the needs of every citizen are met, laws are upheld, and policies are executed for the greater good of all. Today, we gather to acknowledge and celebrate their exceptional contributions to this ideal,” Usec. Iringan said.

In her closing remarks, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V, acknowledged the efforts and resilience of everyone present, understanding the stresses and challenges that performance audits can pose.

The LGUs and Partner Agencies given awards during the ceremony can be viewed here.