Marcos to barangay execs: Good governance starts with you
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged barangay officials across the country to consistently strive for efficient public service, emphasizing that good governance begins at their level.
He made the remarks during the 2025 Galing Pook Awards at the Malacañan Palace Ceremonial Hall, where he honored 10 outstanding barangay initiatives.
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“This kind of recognition also shows that honest and orderly governance is not only in the hands of the national government—it begins with the basic unit of government, the barangay,” Marcos said in Filipino in his speech.
“Because when government processes are clear, the trust of our people grows. When there is accountability, public respect increases. And whenever we put the welfare of the people first, the progress of our nation follows,” he added.
During the event, Marcos commended the awardees for their efforts, saying their work inspires barangays and local governments to pursue innovative, inclusive, and transformative governance that strengthens communities and supports national progress.
The 2025 Galing Pook Awards, organized by the Galing Pook Foundation in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Local Government Academy, SM Prime Holdings, and the Land Bank of the Philippines, serve as a national platform that recognizes innovative, inclusive, and high-impact governance programs of local government units.
Since the awards began in 1993, a total of 367 programs from 235 local governments have been recognized.
Below are this year’s awardees:
- SAMACA: Save Macabalo River Campaign, Brgy. 57 Dap-dap, Legazpi City, Albay
A community project that uses trash traps, cleanups, composting, eco-gardens, and science-based artificial reefs to help restore the Macabalo River.
- Balulang BUSkwela: Driving Child Development through Provision, Protection, and Participation, Brgy. Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City
A child protection and education system that uses barangay school buses, case management, and ALS partners to protect and educate at-risk youth.
- The Big One: A Clustered Street Camp Evacuation Approach, Brgy Blue Ridge B, Quezon City
A community-led earthquake readiness plan that organizes households into street camps with disaster drums and neighborhood incident command posts.
- Barangay Daang Bakal Fights Hunger, Poverty and Climate Change with Unity and Passion, Brgy Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City
A livelihood program that supports micro-baking, urban gardening, aquaponics, and recycling-for-food exchanges to improve income and food security.
- Solar Power Revolution Program: Malvar’s CCAM Model for a Resilient and Sustainable Community, Brgy. General Malvar, Santiago City
A barangay-wide renewable energy program powering solar lights, irrigation, health transport, and public facilities, cutting crime by 91% and saving energy.
- Purok Clearance, Brgy. Naggasican, Santiago City
A community program that links barangay services to civic participation, turning a resettlement area into an engaged and organized neighborhood.
- Community Justice System in a Garden: Planting Peace in Every Stop for Balon Pantal, Brgy. Pantal, Dagupan City
A restorative justice program holding mediations in a landscaped “Justice Garden” to speed up settlements and improve relationships after disputes.
- Dungog Kariton. Brgy. Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato
A conflict-resolution program that brings mediation to residents, handling disputes beyond formal Barangay Justice cases.
- Tripa de Gallina Reborn: Restoring Hope and Community Life, Brgy. San Isidro, Makati City
A comprehensive estero rehabilitation initiative combining relocation, fencing, cleanup, among others–resulting in zero flooding for two consecutive years.
- BIGCAPS+: Barangay Innovative Governance for Community Assistance, Peace, and Security, Brgy. Tagas, Tabaco City, Albay
A governance program using tech services, Filipino Sign Language training, and social support to build peace and community trust. /jpv
