The law keeps us civilized. – Changing Lanes

If “all politics is local”, then all governance begins at the grassroots.

Local government units are the main building blocks of national development and socio-economic progress.

The quality of micro-governance impacts intended national outcomes set by national governments.

Thus, the President Marcos said he was impressed, “deeply encouraged” by the effective leadership among LGUs.

“We do not mean to cast aspersions on national government officials. But I have always said some of the best talent in government that I have seen is…in the local level,” the President said.

Marcos noted that LGUs did a “sterling job” in their active response and prompt delivery of services when the pandemic struck.

“First of all, to take care of our people when we did not have vaccines yet. And then when we had the vaccines, to roll them out properly to distribute, to categorize who are the high risk to ensure the elderly, people with comorbidities, etc. to go first. LGUs did that,” he said.

He also thanked them for ensuring the public that they are in safe hands despite the health crisis and other succeeding challenges.

“Without you, we would not have known the real situation and the needs of those at the grassroots level,” he added.

The President thus commended top-performing LGUs for introducing “innovative practices” that have made a positive impact on the lives of their constituents.

He stressed that “innovation” is a key to solving the common problems of society.

“We should always be thinking: “What else can we improve? What else have we yet to try to yield better results?” he added.

“Your pursuit of good governance in your communities is truly commendable and is necessary. Therefore, I encourage you to continue your programs and advocacies so that you may inspire your fellow LGUs to also introduce innovative practices geared towards improving the lives of your constituents,” Marcos said during the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held in Malacañang.

The Galing Pook Foundation is the leading resource institution that provides support, tools, and resources to LGUs to enable them in building adaptive solutions to challenges in their respective communities.

Through its programs, local chief executives can enhance their knowledge and exchange best practices in fostering development in their localities.

Launched on Oct. 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards serve as a pioneering program in recognizing innovative LGU practices.

Through a multi-level screening process, local governance programs are evaluated based on positive results and impact, promotion of people empowerment and participation, innovation, transferability and sustainability, and efficiency of program service delivery.

He lauded the GPF for promoting excellence and innovations in local governance by recognizing and incentivizing top-flight LGUs.

“The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service,” he said.

He expressed hope that LGUs would continue giving their best as the country moves towards the new normal.

“As we move forward, let this occasion remind us that it is the track record that speaks for performance. It also reflects why our constituents continue to choose you as their leaders,” he said.

In return, he assured LGUs of his administration’s full and continuing support.

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Behold God’s glory and seek His mercy.

Pause, ponder, pray, and proceed, people.