The Galing Pook Foundation announced the launch of the 2023 Galing Pook Awards, which aims to recognize and celebrate the most innovative and adaptive local governance programs.

As the foundation commemorates its 30th anniversary, the Awards seeks to inspire and challenge local government units (LGUs) to develop forward-thinking solutions that create smart, safe, sustainable, and disaster-resilient communities while improving the lives of their constituents.

The theme for this year’s awards, “Levelling Up Local Governance Innovations Towards Building Resilient Communities,” encourages LGUs to submit their best programs for consideration.

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento is optimistic that more LGUs will take up the challenge of raising the bar for good governance to meet the country’s 2040 roadmap goals.

“We believe that local governments should take the lead in achieving the objectives of Ambisyon 2040, which is to provide all Filipinos with a secure, comfortable, and firmly rooted life,” he said.

The Galing Pook Awards has recognized 339 programs from more than 200 LGUs over the years. Its partners, SM Prime and the DILG-Local Government Academy, are committed to promoting the awards and enhancing good governance at the local and provincial levels.

“We pledge to promote the Galing Pook Awards to elevate good governance at the local and provincial levels,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance at SM Supermalls.

DILG-LGA Executive Director Thelma Vecina is inviting LGUs to participate in this year’s awards. 

“We recognise the very best in local governance regardless of location, income level, and LGU type. With earnest effort and malasakit, your LGU can be chosen as an exemplar of public service and model the way for many others,” she said.

Interested applicants can download the guidelines from https://www.galingpook.org/what-we-do/awards/galing-pook-awards/ and submit their Expression of Interest to Join (optional) at https://bit.ly/2023GalingPookAwardsEOI and/or submit their full application at https://bit.ly/2023GalingPookAwards. 

The deadline for the full application is May 31, 2023. Join Galing Pook Awards in celebrating the most innovative and adaptive local governance programs towards building resilient communities for a brighter future.