Valenzuela City wins big at 2021 Galing Pook Awards
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 20) — Local government programs geared towards COVID-19 pandemic response took the spotlight at the 2021 Galing Pook Awards.
Valenzuela City got the most recognitions for its initiatives at the first-ever virtual awards ceremony held Wednesday.
The local government unit, led by Mayor Rex Gatchalian, landed three of the Top 10 Outstanding Local Governance Programs. The LGU was honored for its 'Valenzuela Live' program for digital learning, the 'Tagalag Fishing Village' project for livelihood and eco-tourism, and the 'Paspas Permit' online business permit application platform.
"Ito ay magiging inspirasyon hindi lang namin kung hindi ng buong siyudad na kaya pang pagbutihin, pagandahin ang ating lungsod. Magsama sama po tayo at collective yung effort," Gatchalian said in his acceptance speech.
[Translation: The awards will serve as an inspiration not just for local officials, but for the whole community that we can improve the city. We should unite since it takes a collective effort to achieve this.]
The winning programs include food security, digital learning, agriculture, conservation and livelihood. The LGUs will receive a Galing Pook marker, signage, and ₱300,000.
2021 Galing Pook Awards Top 10 Outstanding Local Governance Programs
- Cagayan de Oro City
- Quezon City
- Agusan del Sur
- Alabat, Quezon
- San Juan City
- Negros Occidental
- Valenzuela City
*Recognized for three programs
- Tagum, Davao del Norte
LOOK: 2021 Galing Pook Awards finalists
President Rodrigo Duterte and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año congratulated the awardees through recorded messages. Vice President Leni Robredo also challenged LGUs to sustain their performances, which were put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ang hamon ngayon sa ating finalists and awardees as Jesse would say, take what is considered the best and make it better. Pagbutihin pa ang trabaho para sa mga pinaglilingkuran," she said.
[Translation: The challenge now for our finalists and awardees as Jesse (Robredo) would say, take what is considered the best and make it better. Improve your service for your constituents.]
Robredo, who is seeking higher office in the 2022 elections, also took a swipe at the national government during her recorded message. She encouraged local officials to get rid of the roots of bad governance while working towards the 'new normal.'
"Dahil sa kakulangan sa matitinong pamumuno sa harap ng pandemya, many LGUs had to step up and step up they did. Habang hindi man lang magkasundo sa quarantine classifications sa mga nasa poder, many local government units are hard at work rolling out the most innovative and effective solutions to this crisis," Robredo said.
[Translation: Because of the lack of competent leaders in the face of the pandemic, many LGUs had to step up and step up they did. While leaders could not agree on quarantine classifications, many local government units are hard at work rolling out the most innovative and effective solutions to this crisis.]
The Galing Pook Awards was put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On its 28th year, the award-giving body received over 200 applications, the most since it started in 1993. The Galing Pook Awards recognizes innovative and adaptive local governance programs.
