DILG cites Marikina, 3 other Metro cities for transparency

MANILA, Philippines—The city government of Marikina has received P25 million in financial assistance from the Department of Interior and Local Government for being chosen one of the most transparent cities in Metro Manila along with Caloocan, Makati and Navotas.

Mayor Del de Guzman said in a press statement the DILG recently awarded Marikina City the “Seal of Good Housekeeping,” citing the city’s compliance with DILG’s Full Disclosure Policy, which encourages all local government units to be transparent in their transactions so as to minimize if not prevent or completely get rid of graft and corruption.

The award came with P25 million in financial assistance through DILG’s Local Government Support Fund.

“We are happy that the city is chosen as one of the most transparent cities in Metro Manila,” De Guzman said in a statement.

Aside from Marikina, the cities of Caloocan, Makati and Navotas in the National Capital Region were given the same award.

According to De Guzman, the financial assistance will be used for the construction of a four-story building in Barangay (village) Sta. Elena in Marikina, which is intended to house children in conflict with the law.

The building may also accommodate mentally challenged and abused children, as well as street urchins.

Making the place child-friendly, the local government will set aside areas for an activity center for the children and for livelihood training and seminars.

The full disclosure policy of the DILG requires local government units to post their budgets, finances and bids on the Commission on Audit website, other government sites and in newspapers of general circulation.