Año: New law will improve local governance

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año (File photo by NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said local government units would improve their services with the signing of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Law on April 12.

“The DILG is grateful that the SGLG program, which is only in its fifth year, is now part of the law of the land. It is an affirmation of the effectiveness of the program in propelling good governance of local government units,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement on Saturday.

The media reported on Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte had signed into Republic Act No. 11292 which offers an incentive program for LGUs that have demonstrated good governance.

READ: Duterte signs law institutionalizing Seal of Good Local Governance

The measure institutionalizes the program through the creation of a Council of Good Local Governance. This is composed of nine government agencies and representatives from basic sectors, with the DILG acting as chair.

“The establishment of the Council demonstrates the whole-of-government approach in ensuring that the national government works hand in hand with the local governments and members of civil society in practicing good governance on the local level,” Año said.

He said funding for incentives for SGLG awardees would be part of the General Appropriation Act (GAA).

/atm