Tolentino hails LGUs as ‘bedrock of national development’
MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino yesterday hailed the recipients of this year’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), as he acknowledged the role of local government units (LGUs) as the “bedrock of national development.”
“When our towns, cities and provinces thrive, so does the Philippines,” said Tolentino, who himself rose from the ranks of local chief executives, in his speech at the SGLG national awarding ceremonies held in Manila.
“Through your efforts, you have set a standard of excellence that others should emulate, proving that effective leadership transforms lives and strengthens communities,” he added.
The former three-term mayor of Tagaytay City, Cavite and former president of the League of Cities of the Philippines emphasized that it is Filipinos’ duty as a nation to value and honor such accomplishments.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas. One that uplifts every citizen and ensures a brighter future for generations to come,” Tolentino said.
Of the 714 LGU recipients of this year’s SGLG, 41 are provinces, 96 are cities and 577 are municipalities.
Among them are several Cavite LGUs, including the cities of Tagaytay, Cavite, Dasmariñas, General Trias, Trece Martires and Imus, and the municipalities of Alfonso, General Mariano Alvarez, Indang, Maragondon, Mendez and Rosario.
Governance categories assessed for the SGLG are financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity; health compliance and responsiveness; sustainable education; business-friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace and order; environmental management; tourism, heritage development, culture and arts; and youth development.
Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who previously served as Cavite governor, said he emulated Tolentino’s leadership style when he first entered public service in the 1990s.
Remulla also credited Tolentino for transforming Tagaytay into a premier tourist destination.