PROVINCE OF ISABELA – To improve disaster response services, the Local Governments of Reina Mercedes and Delfin Albano used their FY 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Funds (SGLG-IF) to purchase new rescue vehicles. The inauguration ceremonies were held consecutively—on October 14, 2024, at the new Municipal Hall Grounds in Barangay Napacu Grande, Reina Mercedes, and on October 15, 2024, at the Municipal Hall Grounds in Delfin Albano.
Officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by Assistant Regional Director Elpidio A. Durwin, attended both events. Representing Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, ARD Durwin was joined by Isabela Provincial Director Corazon D. Toribio, Cluster Head Cristina B. Somera, and MLGOOs Hazel Pablo and LGOO II Drixel Tagubasi. Representatives from the Regional and Provincial Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) were also present.
In his speech, ARD Durwin commended both LGUs for their dedication to good governance, noting their achievements over the past year as they await the results of the 2024 SGLG evaluation. He highlighted that the recognition given to SGLG passers also honors the DILG’s partnership in supporting the operations of local governments. ARD Durwin further emphasized that beyond the monetary incentive, the prestige and responsibility of providing good governance should outweigh any financial reward.
PD Toribio praised the competence of Reina Mercedes and Delfin Albano as SGLG awardees from the previous year. She encouraged both LGUs to view the SGLG as a standard of governance, stressing the importance of consistency and continuous pursuit of excellence. She also pointed out that the indicators for the SGLG are updated annually by the Council of Good Local Governance, further challenging LGUs to adapt and improve.
In Reina Mercedes, Municipal Mayor Atty. Maria Lourdes P. Respicio-Saguban acknowledged the efforts of the Technical Working Group in securing the SGLG in 2023 and expressed her hope for success in 2024. She emphasized that the newly purchased rescue vehicle would enhance the delivery of 24-hour rescue services in the municipality. She also extended her gratitude to the DILG for endorsing the FY 2023 Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU) project, which is being implemented in the municipality.
Meanwhile, Delfin Albano Mayor Arnold Pua Co highlighted the LGU’s consistent performance, noting that they have passed the SGLG for six consecutive years. As they await the 2024 SGLG results in October, Mayor Pua Co expressed hope for a seventh consecutive award. He emphasized that the LGU’s decision to invest its incentive fund in a rescue vehicle demonstrates its commitment to meeting the needs of its constituents.
Local officials, functionaries, and MLGOOs Aileen Suguitan of Reina Mercedes and Krystal Mae Pacios of Delfin Albano also attended the inauguration ceremonies.
IO II Louella Marie T. Pader
