In line with the push for honest and accountable public service, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to validate projects funded through the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF), ensuring these are properly implemented and truly benefit communities.

This is part of the government’s efforts to uphold checks and balances, especially in light of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for public officials to be more responsible with government funds during his State of the Nation Address — “Mahiya naman kayo sa taumbayan.”

The SGLGIF is a performance-based reform program that provides financial grants to Local Government Units (LGUs) conferred with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to support their local development projects identified in their respective Local Development Investment Program (LDIPs).

In Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), the DILG’s National and Regional SGLGIF Management Teams conducted field validation of completed projects, verifying documents, inspecting sites, and speaking with beneficiaries.

In Alabel, Sarangani, solar streetlights were installed at the municipal compound, improving safety at night. Local resident Decmon Gumanao shared: “Noong dumating po yung street lights, yung peace and order po ay lalong umayos. Walang gulo at walang anumang di kanais-nais na pangyayari.”

In Maasim, the LGU paved a key access road, connecting a barangay to the barangay hall, public market, and transport terminal — directly improving the lives of over 11,000 residents. The project provided construction worker Jimmy Maquidato with a source of income during the construction phase. “Kung mayroong project na ganito, dito na lang ako para mabuhay ako,” he said.

Malungon, another Sarangani town, used its SGLGIF to purchase a patrol vehicle to reach far-flung areas. Barangay Monitoring Technician Engel Pane noted: “Pag nagfifield kami, may mga daanan talaga na hindi kaya ng motor. Simula nung dumating iyan, mas nakakarating na kami sa mga tao para makapagserbisyo agad.”

Similar validation activities are underway in other regions of the country to ensure that every peso of public funds is put to good use.

LGUs that qualify for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) receive funding—P3 million for provinces, P2 million for cities, and P1.153 million for municipalities. As the program shifts to term-based assessments, the DILG continues to monitor SGLGIF-funded projects to ensure transparency and effective service delivery.

At a time when public funds must be used wisely, the DILG reaffirms its commitment to responsible governance — because the public deserves no less.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Every-Peso-Must-Count-DILG-Checks-on-LGU-Projects-Funded-by-SGLGIF/NC-2025-1127