Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the necessity of transparent and accountable governance at all governmental levels, highlighting that robust systems at the barangay (village) level can significantly aid in rebuilding public trust. This assertion comes amid recent controversies surrounding flood-control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos, while leading the 2025 Galing Pook Awards at Malaca±ang, remarked that barangays have consistently shown that clear processes and active community participation result in more effective and credible public services. This approach is particularly vital as various national agencies currently face scrutiny. Marcos stated, "Kapag malinaw ang proseso, lumalakas ang tiwala. Kapag may pananagutan, tumataas ang respeto. At kapag inuuna natin ang kapakanan ng taumbayan, sumusunod ang pag-unlad," underscoring the link between transparency, accountability, and progress.
The President's comments align with ongoing efforts by his administration to address issues related to defective and overpriced flood-control projects. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that investigations persist and that culpable officials are held accountable. In contrast, awardee-barangays have demonstrated that even with limited resources, transparent systems can effectively address community needs. Marcos praised these initiatives, noting their originality and potential impact, which even the national government had not considered.
This year, the Galing Pook Awards, for the first time in over thirty years, focused solely on barangays, acknowledging their critical role as the most accessible government units and first responders in public service, disaster readiness, local justice systems, and community empowerment. Marcos urged national agencies to adopt and expand on barangay-level innovations that have already proven successful in transparency and community participation.
The 2025 awards are organized by the Galing Pook Foundation in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Local Government Academy (LGA), SM Prime Holdings, and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). Since 1993, the program has recognized 367 outstanding initiatives from 235 local government units (LGUs).
