Setting an unprecedented milestone in Philippine public service, Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, was recognized with the highly coveted “Tatag ng Agila” award at the 2025 Capacity Development Awards for Catalysts of Excellence (CapDev ACE) Awards. The ceremony was held on December 11, 2025, at the Manila Hotel.

This significant achievement marks Regional Director Agustin’s second victory in the “Tatag ng Agila” category, establishing her as the only director in the history of the awards to receive this distinction twice. Her initial win was in 2018. This historic triumph underscores her enduring commitment to excellence, resilience, and unparalleled leadership in capacity development and good local governance across Metro Manila.

A major factor contributing to Director Agustin’s second win was the demonstrable success and impact of the Tangguyob initiative. This groundbreaking project, launched under her leadership, was cited by the awards committee for its visionary approach to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). Tangguyob became the first convergence mechanism in Metro Manila to successfully unite all four pillars of DRRM: (1) Prevention and Mitigation; (2) Preparedness; (3) Response; and (4) Rehabilitation and Recovery.

The initiative’s core strength lies in its capacity to drive seamless collaboration across the 17 LGUs and diverse partners in the National Capital Region, effectively overcoming fragmentation to ensure unified and collective action. This approach has dramatically improved the region’s readiness and resilience in the face of natural and human-induced hazards. The local adoption of the Tangguyob convergence by the Pasig City Government set a precedent, positioning DILG-NCR as a pioneer for disaster risk reduction management innovation.

The “Tatag ng Agila” award is among the most prestigious honors bestowed at the CapDev Ace Awards. It is presented to career executive service officers and leaders who demonstrate outstanding vision, impact, and continuous contributions to strengthening local government units (LGUs) and upholding the tenets of good governance. Director Agustin’s second win is a powerful validation of her consistent leadership and systemic impact within the DILG and the public service sector.

In her acceptance speech, Director Agustin expressed her gratitude and emphasized the team effort behind her success, specifically crediting the cooperative spirit that drove Tangguyob. “Receiving the ‘Tatag ng Agila’ for the second time is an honor that reflects the dedication of the entire DILG-NCR team and our LGU partners,” Director Agustin said. “With the unwavering support of our 17 LGUs and all our partners, Tangguyob became a reality, proving that collaboration replaces fragmentation and collective action becomes the norm. This milestone strengthens our resolve to continue pursuing innovative solutions and reinforcing the capabilities of our local governments in Metro Manila,” she added.

Director Agustin’s leadership has been defined by the successful implementation of programs designed to enhance LGU performance, promote accountability, and ensure efficient public service delivery.

The CapDev Ace Awards are held annually to celebrate and inspire higher standards of institutional excellence and best practices in capacity development within the local government sector.