Iloilo: Seven barangays from Iloilo province that hurdled the national screening for the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) were recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the Liga Day at the Iloilo Sports Complex here on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Iloilo Director Carmelo Orbista, in his message, said the SGLGB is not just an award but a 'symbol of integrity, transparency, accountability, and most of all, service excellence.' He noted that the achievement of these barangays is a testament to the dedication of their leaders and constituents in upholding the highest standards of public service.

The seven barangays included San Juan Crisostomo from Anilao town; Agboy Norte, Binolbog, and Igcadios from Leon; Pagsanga-an and Ungka from Pavia; and Gines Norte in San Enrique. These barangays have set an example by thriving and contributing to the flourishing of their respective communities.

In a press conference, Liga ng mga Barangay Iloilo president Amalia Victoria Debuque stated that the 2024 SGLGB would be the last since DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla wanted it to cover the entire term of the sitting local chief executive, rather than being an annual recognition. However, Debuque encouraged barangay officials not to be complacent in the performance of their responsibilities. She also mentioned that Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has launched a program to check on the performance of local government units, emphasizing the need for continuous diligence.

Meanwhile, Debuque remarked that barangay officials are not only stakeholders but also implementers of the governor's program. During the opening ceremony of the Liga Day, Governor Defensor urged barangay officials to support various programs under the MoRProGRes Iloilo (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo), a campaign to realize the social justice agenda of his administration.