The DILG-NCR Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Regional Assessment Team (RAT) recently concluded a highly productive calibration session held from July 12-13, 2023 at the Madison 101 Hotel, Quezon City.

The activity, which marked a significant milestone in the ongoing SGLG assessment process, was spearheaded by Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V, the Chairperson of the RAT, and Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Chief Raymond Gerard E. De Asis.

In her opening remarks, ARD Baltazar-Cortez emphasized the critical importance of the RAT Calibration, which requires collaboration with experts from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) such as the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance – Center for Local and Regional Governance’s (UP-NCPAG CLRG’s) Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, University Extension Specialist Maricris B. Delos Santos, and Ma. Roxanne P. Feliciano from Catholic Relief Services. Their work ensures that the documentary requirements submitted by Local Government Units (LGUs) and Sub-RATs are valid and accurate, and in alignment with the technical notes provided for this year’s assessment cycle.

LGMED Chief De Asis further elaborated on the calibration process and expressed the team’s determination to increase the number of potential passers in this cycle compared to that of the previous year’s assessment. The engagement with the CSOs was seen as an invaluable opportunity to enhance the assessment procedures and foster a more rigorous evaluation process.

Led by SGLG Focal Person LGOO V Marda Alina R. Dumaoang-Acoba, the calibration proceeded with a comprehensive presentation regarding the LGU Status and the Data Capture Form of all 17 LGUs. This briefing provided an in-depth analysis of the current situation and the progress made by each LGU towards the standards set by the SGLG, thereby laying the foundation for a well-informed decision-making process.

Following the intensive calibration activities, the Regional Assessment Team proceeded to shortlist potential passers that will advance to the National Validation stage. These shortlisted LGUs have demonstrated exemplary performance and met the stringent criteria set forth by the assessment guidelines.

The DILG-NCR RAT remains steadfast in its pursuit of promoting good governance and excellence in local administration. The successful calibration session represents a significant step towards recognizing and rewarding LGUs that have made substantial strides in improving their service delivery and overall performance in furtherance of the public welfare. #