Ormoc City and the municipality of Kananga, Leyte, have once again cemented their status as exemplary models of governance after receiving the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). Congressman Richard Gomez and Kananga Mayor Matt Torres personally accepted the prestigious awards during a ceremony held on Monday, December 9, at Tent City, The Manila Hotel in Manila.
Back-to-Back Achievements for Kananga
Kananga, under the leadership of Mayor Matt Torres, achieved a remarkable back-to-back win, having also received the SGLG award in 2023. This milestone highlights the municipality’s consistent commitment to excellence in governance and public service. Mayor Torres credited his team’s hard work and the unwavering support of Kanangahanons for this achievement.
Ormoc’s Three-Peat Victory
Meanwhile, Ormoc City celebrated its third consecutive SGLG award, having been recognized in 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, along with former mayor and current Congressman Richard Gomez, has played a pivotal role in upholding the city’s reputation for transparency, accountability, and effective governance. Ormoc’s track record underscores a legacy of leadership dedicated to improving public services and fostering community development.
Recognizing Excellence in Governance
The SGLG, often referred to as the “Mother of All Awards,” honors local government units (LGUs) that demonstrate excellence in financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and environmental management. During the ceremony, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla congratulated the awardees, stating, “Make this a symbol that you ran a good government — a clean and effective government.”
A Testament to Leadership
The victories of Ormoc and Kananga exemplify the dedication of their leaders and the collective efforts of their communities. As these LGUs celebrate their accolades, they also set a benchmark for others to follow, proving that integrity, innovation, and hard work lead to sustainable progress.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.