VP cites 10 model LGUs

Local government units face the challenge of sustaining their performance as model LGUs since this is the only way to attain the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Vice President Noli de Castro said yesterday.

De Castro cited 10 LGUs during the Special Citation on Local Capacity Innovations for MDGs at the Teatro in Marikina in Marikina City recently. The localities of Bulacan, Capoocan in Leyte, Concepcion in Iloilo, Maitum in Saranggani, Malalag in Davao Del Sur, Naga City, Oriental Negros, Pasay City, and Zamboanga City were the awardees.

He lauded the awardees for continuously adopting and implementing innovations that will contribute to the attainment of the MDGs.

De Castro said the successes seen at the local level will deliver long-term benefits as the people of the LGUs sustain their MDG programs and projects.

"Consistency and perseverance — these are the two characteristics that would eventually distinguish the really successful LGU efforts from the one-time wonders," De Castro said.

The event recognized past winners of Galing Pook, an annual awards program established in 1998 to recognize the important role of LGUs in the nation’s development.

The Galing Pook award is also in recognition of LGUs that adopted and continuously demonstrated, expanded, replicated, and institutionalized capacity development approaches and innovations. — Pia Lee Brago