The recognition and awarding of 306 local government units (LGUs) that have passed the test of good local governance will highlight the culminating activity of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Local Government Code (LGC) today (October 27, 2016) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael 'Mike' D. Sueno said this year's celebration is a 'huge milestone', as it celebrates significant breakthroughs and exemplary performance in the 25-year journey of local governance.

"We find a deeper meaning in this year's celebration because while we have achieved a lot in terms of empowering and making local government units (LGUs) more self-reliant, we need to set our sights on further strengthening local autonomy under a federal system of government,"said Sueno.

One of the highlights of the activity is the conferment of the much-coveted Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to 306 provinces,cities and municipalities for their notable performance and service delivery set across several areas.

The SGLG awardees will receive an incentive fund called Performance Challenge Fund which can be utilized for the implementation of local development projects.

Twelve outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa will likewise be awarded for their remarkable practice as indigenous conflict resolution mechanism in the barangays.

Moreover, two new programs will be launched by the Local Government Academy: the Innovative Solutions Bank which aims to document and replicate best practices at the LGU level; and the Mentoring for Optimal Leadership and Development (MOLD) program for local chief executives, which is part of the Newly-Elected Officials Orientation program.

There will also be a commitment signing by the different LGUs on the Streamlining Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) online system process, as well as the turnover of the Public Financial Management Manuals and Tools to LGU leagues.

According to Sueno, this year's theme,"LGC@25: Pagsulong, Progreso, Pagbabago", is a call to all LGUs to continue their pursuit of performance excellence in local governance and development.

The LGC, a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1991, ushered in a new era of empowering LGUs to become partners in national development and conduits for grassroots-level democracy and community participation, vigilance and volunteerism in pursuit of local development.

Presidential Proclamation No. 63 (series of 1992) has declared October as the Local Government Month, the second week of October as the Local Government Week and the 10th day of October as the Local Government Day in the Philippines, in commemoration of the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991.

Please click the icon for the list of SGLG winners.