DILG tells LGUs: Use prize wisely

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has encouraged recipients of the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Award to use their incentive fund subsidy for “high-impact” projects.

A total of 350 local government units (LGU) including 18 provinces, 60 cities, and 272 municipalities, some from Cebu, got awarded the SGLG seal in 2022.

The SGLG is different from the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping, which is also from the DILG.

Along with the seal, they were also given an incentive fund subsidy, although it was not disclosed how much.

“We urge you to use this fund to affect positive change through highimpact projects within your jurisdiction,” Abalos said.

LGUs that are unable to use the funds before the end of 2023 or fail to start implementing the project within nine months after receiving the Notice to Implement would forfeit the prize, as the funds will be returned to the National Treasury.

“Maaari nilang magamit ang pondong ito para sa buong taon ngunit kinakailangan na bago at buo at walang kapareho sa ibang ahensiya ang proyektong paglalaanan nito. Lahat ng proyekto ay dapat makumpleto at ma-liquidate sa loob ng 12 buwan matapos matanggap ang Notice to Implement mula sa DILG Regional Office,” Abalos added.

The SGLG incentive fund was established through Republic Act 11292 or SGLG Act of 2019 with the aim of harmonizing local government initiatives with the national development agenda.

Abalos reminded the LGUs through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-019 that the SGLG incentive fund can only be used in projects that support the following: good fiscal administration; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity program; health; education; peace and order and public safety; and business friendliness and competitiveness.

The said fund, on the other hand, cannot be used to fund trainings, financing of micro credits and loans, administrative and traveling expenses, purchase of administrative office equipment, lot, and purchase, maintenance or repair of motor vehicles that are not used in relation to its work for the SGLG.

LGUs are also reminded to comply with the provision prohibiting the placement of the official’s name, photo, or project image of an official on government projects.

“Huwag po nating samantalahin ang mga proyekto ng gobyerno at gamitin ito para sa pansariling kapakinabangan. Tayo ay nagsisilbi para sa taumbayan at hindi nila utang na loob na magbigay tayo ng magagandang proyekto at serbisyo dahil ito ay ating trabaho,” said Abalos. —