24 LGUs receive Seal of Good Education Governance
Twenty-four local government units (LGUs) across the country have received recognition for demonstrating commitment to improving education governance.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Synergeia Foundation, awarded the Seal of Good Education Governance during the closing of the National Education Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday.
Awarded with the seal are the municipalities of Santol and Bacnotan in La Union; Diadi, Solano and Villaverde in Nueva Vizcaya; Diffun in Quirino; Alimodan, Cabatuan, Concepcion, Lambunao, Miagao and Mina in Iloilo; and Dao and Ivisan in Capiz.
Also awarded were the municipalities of Argao, Balamban and Dalaguete in Cebu; Bongao and Simunul in TawiTawi; Datu Paglas and North Upi in Maguindanao; Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental; Tuba in Benguet; and Valenzuela City.
The US embassy said the children in these municipalities have achieved higher scores in the National Achievement Test in their respective regions, as well as shown an increase in student attendance.
“At USAID, we believe that education serves as a driver for development and the elimination of extreme poverty. Education is transformational for individuals and societies,” USAID mission director Lawrence Hardy said.
“It also creates pathways to better health, economic growth, a sustainable environment, and peaceful, democratic societies,” he added.
About 400 leaders from local governments, schools and the private sector joined the twoday event to share best practices in education governance, including such topics as community engagement, budgeting, partnerships and decentralization of basic education.
The inaugural batch of recipients will get incentive packages from PLDT and Smart Communications worth up to P1.5 million each. Among the incentives, depending on their respective needs and circumstances, are public Wi-Fi hotspots, provision of InfoCast, satellite-based communications solutions, and the School-in-a-Bag.
Established in 2002, Synergeia is a coalition of individuals and organizations working closely with about 400 LGUs to improve the delivery of basic education to Filipino children.