Local chief executives who are partners of the Cordillera Regional Development Council in its advocacy and pursuit of regional autonomy and exemplars of the pillars of good governance were cited during the Forwarding Local Autonomy Medal of Excellence (Flame) Award.
Edna C. Tabanda, RDC-Cordillera co-chair, highlighted the significance of good governance in shaping robust communities and strong families.
RDC-Cordillera Vice Chairperson and National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera Director Susan A. Sumbeling emphasized the significance of recognizing local government units across various categories, including provinces, highly urbanized cities, and municipalities of different income classifications.
The awards criteria focused on LGU efforts towards good governance, support to RDC initiatives on regional development and autonomy, and participation in RDC-led activities, with a total scoring system for evaluation.
The award ceremony honored 46 LGUs in the special, excellence and champion categories, and Baguio City, Hall of Fame awardee since 2015.
Notably, Tublay, Benguet in the fifth to sixth class municipality category, Tadian, Mountain Province in the fourth class; Luna, Apayao in the second class; La Trinidad, Benguet in the component city/first class municipality; and Baguio City for the province/highly urbanized city category, received category Champion awards.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, chairperson of the Regional Development Administration Committee, highlighted the city’s development framework anchored on innovation, resilience, and sustainability, and its participation in the Philippine Open Government Partnership.
He also called on local chief executives to continue championing good governance and remain resolute in the region’s quest for regional autonomy. – Press release
