Governance reforms get boost

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government’s efforts to improve its operations and governance systems received a major boost after it passed four of the seven assessment areas for local government units last year.

The local government has received a recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the successful implementation of its programs and projects on disaster preparedness, business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, and tourism, culture and arts.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Tuesday such result was based on the series of assessments conducted by the DILG from March to September 2017.

He expressed satisfaction with the results of the assessment and vowed to continue with the ongoing reforms, especially in the other assessment areas.

The city government is working on passing this year the assessment on the financial administration, social protection and peace and order aspects.

The seven assessment areas comprise the core components of the evaluation for the Seal of Good Local Governance, which is implemented by the DILG. “So far so good and I am happy with this result. This is the result of our concerted efforts,” the mayor said in a statement.

He cited the support from city government officials and employees, private sector and other local stakeholders.

Rivera said the city government is initially targeting to achieve this year the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping.