ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) -- As the Zamboanga Peninsula continues to grace the 31st Local Government Month this year, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 distributed around 67 awards to outstanding local government units in the region.

The event dubbed “Gains of Devolution: Awards Night for Outstanding LGUs,” which awarded 32 LGUs rejoicing their exemplary services and achievements from devolution – known to be the strongest form of administrative decentralization.

The list of awards and its identified awardees of the concluded LGU outstanding awards nights 2022 can be found at the DILG-IX Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Dilg9 and livestream can be watched through the PIA Western Mindanao https://bit.ly/3FjTn6Y.

“We would like to recognize the LGUs dedication and hard works to add motivation in providing efficient service of delivery at the area of their responsibilities,” said DILG-9 Regional Director Paizal O. Abutazil during the gains of devolution awards night held at Garden Orchid Hotel recently.

Director Abutazil is hopeful that the awards will serve as motivations for LGUs to continue working on good governance and for others to emulate their best practices towards a progressive and resilient ZamPen.

“Ang aking malugod na pagbati sa mga natatanging local na pamahalaan! Ang kapalit ng inyong tagumpay na kinikilala natin ngayong gabi ay ang inyong dugo, pawis at luha,” DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” D.C. Abalos Jr extended his congratulations to the awardees.

[My warm greetings to the outstanding local governments! The reward for your victory that we recognize tonight is your blood, sweat and tears.]

The secretary also said that he felt the work of the LGUs particularly the local chief executives (LCEs) that “local governance is no easy feat,” as public servants must be willing to champion the needs of their communities especially those from the marginalized sector.

Meanwhile, Sec. Abalos emphasized that devolution experience in the Philippines is noteworthy as this addresses inequalities and financial resources of the LGUs.

“I am confident that the transition to full devolution will spur the LGUs to explore and develop innovative strategies towards best local government services,” Sec. Abalos said.

He assured that DILG will standby the LGUs in the transition to full devolution and encourage the LCEs to aim even higher and go beyond the high standards they have set for themselves as public servants.

“Let us continue to inspire, share our best practices with one another and work hand in hand for a better Philippines,” Sec. Abalas concluded. (NBE/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)