IN an unprecedented win, the city government of Cagayan de Oro has emerged on the national stage, according to Shiela Lumbatan, Chief of Staff of the City Mayor's Office, who disclosed this information on Thursday.

Lumbatan stated that City Mayor Rolando Uy was conferred with the esteemed Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Award today, December 14, by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Lumbatan indicated that the ceremony, held at the Manila Hotel, was attended by City Hall officials and the City's Technical Working Group (TWG) for SGLG.

Receiving the award on behalf of the city government, Mayor Klarex is the first to bring this distinguished honor back to local government units in the region, she said.

FIRST-TIME SGLG AWARDEE: City Mayor Rolando 'Klarex' Uy and delegation proudly accept the prestigious 'Seal of Good Local Governance' from Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos during the national awarding ceremony held at Manila Hotel today, December 14, 2023. Also present during the awarding were City DILG Director Engr. Jane Docallos, City Vice Mayor Jocelyn 'Bebot' Rodriguez, Majority Floor Leader Atty. Ed Cabanlas, City Councilors Dr. Malou Gaane, Romy Calizo, Ian Mark Nacaya, Jay Pascual, Girlie Balaba, Suzette Magtajas-Daba and George Goking. (CIO photo)

"This milestone is undoubtedly a testament to the relentless efforts and commitment of the city's governance to enhance service delivery and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability," Lumbatan added.

The award undoubtedly showcases the local government's triumph in meeting stringent criteria and undergoing a comprehensive assessment.

Mayor Uy earlier stated that the attainment of the award wouldn't have been possible without the relentless efforts of the City TWG and various partner agencies.

He asserted that their insurmountable work in complying with all the requirements and qualifications for the SGLG Award has finally paid off.

Expressing his gratitude, Mayor Uy commended the TWG members and partner agencies for their tireless work. 

Lumbatan explained that the mayor praised his team, recognizing that the achievement didn't occur overnight but was the accumulation of consistent, tireless efforts to meet the high standards of the SGLG.

"Instituted by the DILG, the Seal of Good Local Governance is a coveted award among local government units across the country," Lumbatan explained.

The award aims to promote transparency, integrity, and service delivery among local government units. It is awarded to localities that excel in various critical areas including financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and peace and order, she clarified.

"The triumph of the city government in winning this award not only brings pride to the city; it further enhances its reputation on a national scale," observed Lumbatan.

She shared that such an achievement, earned through hard work and dedication, heightens the collective spirit of the city's residents, inspiring them to strive harder to contribute to the city's development.

Finally, basking in the glory of this prestigious accolade, Mayor Uy knows that complacency is not an option.

Mayor Uy assured his constituents that this award is just the beginning, as the city administration continually commits to maintaining good work, always striving to elevate the bar of good governance and public service.

He concluded his address with a promise to utilize this honor as a catalyst for further growth, vowing to elevate the City of Golden Friendship to greater heights.