The Department of the Interior and Local Government â National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) honored outstanding local government units (LGUs) and partner organizations in the 2025 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards (UGEA), held on November 4, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City.
Anchored on the theme âUpholding Excellence in Local Governance Towards an Inclusive, Resilient, and Safe NCRâ and guided by the emphasis âProgress Through Process,â this yearâs UGEA celebrated not only the results of good governance but also the people, systems, and partnerships that made those results possible.
Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, in her opening message, emphasized that UGEA 2025 is a celebration of the work that often goes unseenâyet forms the backbone of good governance. âExcellence is built carefully, deliberately, and consistently through process,â she said. âProgress is not measured solely by awards or rankings, but by the integrity with which we assess, the diligence with which we collaborate, and the compassion with which we serve.â
Delivering the keynote message, DILG Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Omar Alexander V. Romero highlighted that the heart of urban governance excellence lies in collective effort. âExcellence is not an endpoint,â he stressed. âIt is a discipline, a commitment, and a journey we walk together. Governance is never the work of one actor aloneâexcellence happens when partnerships flourish and when the process is as valued as the outcome.â
First Set of Awards: Appreciation to Partner Organizations
The first set of awards paid tribute to partner organizations from national government agencies, private companies, and civil society organizations whose active collaboration with DILG-NCR has advanced the regionâs governance and development initiatives.
Among the awardees were partner agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP NCR), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP NCR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Nutrition Council (NNC NCR), and the Office of Civil Defense NCR, alongside civil society and private sector partners including the Catholic Relief Services, Caritas Philippines, and the Manila Water Company, Inc.
These partners were recognized for their steadfast support and shared commitment to strengthening local governance and building resilient, empowered communities across Metro Manila.
Second Set of Awards: Recognition and Awarding of LGUs
The second set of awards honored the Local Government Units of Metro Manila for their exemplary performance in the regionâs major governance assessments. Across these assessments, NCR LGUs demonstrated diligence, consistency, and measurable progress. These include:
⢠Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Performance Audit, which evaluates systems that ensure child protection and welfare
⢠Local Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT-VAWC) Audit, which strengthens mechanisms that safeguard women and children
⢠LGU Compliance Assessment (LGU CA) under the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program for informal settler families (ISF), liquid-waste management (LWM), and solid waste management (SWM) systems
⢠Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA) for bay-area LGUs ensuring responsible and sustainable fisheries governance
⢠Peace and Order Council (POC) and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) performance assessments, recognizing LGUs for strengthening local peace, order, and anti-drug initiatives
⢠Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiatives, including LGUs that hosted the quarterly Tangguyob.
Two LGUs also received special distinctions that underscore their leadership and national-level impact. San Juan City was recognized as the first Certified Drug-Cleared City in the National Capital Region, a milestone reflecting years of consistent, evidence-based, and community-centered anti-drug efforts. Meanwhile, Quezon City was recognized as a National Finalist for the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities, reaffirming its strong commitment to childrenâs rights and welfare.
Following the audit-based awards and special citations, the program proceeded to confer the Exemplary Performers for the Local Legislative Awards (LLA). The LLA honors LGUs that have demonstrated exemplary legislative performance, crafting policies and ordinances that are responsive, transparent, and transformative for their communities.
Shaping accountable, participatory, and development-driven local governance, the 2025 Local Legislative Awardees, honored individually, were: Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Pasig (also awarded as Most Improved LGU), San Juan, Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Manila, Malabon, Parañaque, and Pateros.
Taken together, the recognitions in this second set affirm that excellence in governance is built through strong systems, rigorous assessments, responsive legislation, and the collective commitment of LGUs to serve with transparency, accountability, and community-centered leadership.
Third Set of Awards: Top Performing LGUs
The afternoonâs highlight was the recognition of Top Performing LGUs, which demonstrated exceptional performance and innovation through three key distinctions:
Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA)
⢠Regional Winner: Barangay Plainview, City of Mandaluyong
⢠1st Runner-Up: Barangay Panghulo, City of Malabon
⢠2nd Runner-Up: Barangay Sta. Cruz, City of Makati
⢠Nominee: Barangay Sto. Rosario Kanluran, Municipality of Pateros
Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA)
⢠1st Place: City of Las Piñas
⢠2nd Place: City of Parañaque
⢠2nd Place: City of Navotas
Local Government Unit Compliance Audit (LGU-CA)
⢠1st Place (â±300,000): City of Marikina
⢠2nd Place (â±200,000): City of Mandaluyong
⢠3rd Place (â±100,000): City of Las Piñas
These awards celebrate the spirit of dedication, collaboration, and process-driven leadership that transforms local communities and uplifts the lives of Metro Manila residents.
In her closing message, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana-Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, emphasized that the heart of governance lies not in accolades but in the daily commitment to serve. âWhen the applause quiets down and the plaques are placed on shelves, what must remain is our promise to our communities â our resolve to say, âHindi pa tapos ang trabaho.â Excellence is not measured by perfection, but by our willingness to keep improving, to serve with humility, and to walk with our people every step of the way,â she said.
The 2025 UGEA stands as a testament to DILG NCRâs commitment to nurturing Matino, Mahusay, at Maasahang Kawani and strengthening partnerships that enable truly inclusive, resilient, and transformative local governance.
Below is the full list of UGEA 2025 awardees:
CALOOCAN
- TOP PERFORMER – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER- POC & ADAC
- LGU Host for the 1st Quarter TANGGUYOB – DRRM
LAS PIÃAS
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- MOST IMPROVED, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
MAKATI
- TOP PERFORMER – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- HIGHLY COMPLIANT – MBCRPP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
MALABON
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRPP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
MANDALUYONG
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- TOP PERFORMER, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, LWM CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- MOST IMPROVED, LWM CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
MANILA
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY– LCPC Performance Year 2024
- TOP PERFORMER – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRPP LGU Compliance Assessment
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – FISHERIES Compliance Audit (FishCA)
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
MARIKINA
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- TOP PERFORMER, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
MUNTINLUPA
- TOP PERFORMER – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC 2025 Functionality Audit
- HIGHLY COMPLIANT – MBCRPP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, LWM CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
NAVOTAS
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- HIGHLY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- MOST IMPROVED, SWM CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
PARAÃAQUE
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
- LGU HOST FOR THE 4TH QUARTER TANGGUYOB – DRRM
PASAY
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
PASIG
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- FIRST IN THE NCR TO LOCALIZE TANGGUYOB – DRRM
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
QUEZON CITY
- TOP PERFORMER – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- TOP PERFORMER – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- HIGHLY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, SWM CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- NCR NATIONAL FINALIST – Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
SAN JUAN
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- TOP PERFORMER – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- CERTIFIED DRUG CLEARED CITY – ADAC
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
TAGUIG
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- MODERATELY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
VALENZUELA
- TOP PERFORMER – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- TOP PERFORMER – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- HIGHLY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- TOP PERFORMER, ISF CLUSTER – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
PATEROS
- IDEAL FUNCTIONALITY – LCPC Performance Year 2024
- HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL – LCAT-VAWC Functionality Audit
- HIGHLY COMPLIANT – MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment
- SIGNIFICANT & INVALUABLE PARTNER – POC & ADAC
Local Legislative Awards
Exemplary Performance:
- Makati
- Mandaluyong
- Quezon City
- Valenzuela
- Pasig (Also Most Improved LGU)
- San Juan
- Caloocan
- Muntinlupa
- Manila
- Malabon
- Parañaque
- Pateros
Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA)
⢠Regional Winner: Barangay Plainview, City of Mandaluyong
⢠1st Runner-Up: Barangay Panghulo, City of Malabon
⢠2nd Runner-Up: Barangay Sta. Cruz, City of Makati
⢠Nominee: Barangay Sto. Rosario Kanluran, Municipality of Pateros
Fisheries Compliance Audit (FishCA)
⢠1st Place: City of Las Piñas
⢠2nd Place: City of Parañaque
⢠3rd Place: City of Navotas
Local Government Unit Compliance Audit (LGU-CA)
⢠1st Place (â±300,000): City of Marikina
⢠2nd Place (â±200,000): City of Mandaluyong
⢠3rd Place (â±100,000): City of Las Piñas