BEFORE the blatant corruption, massive plunder and remorseless vengeance infecting the highest echelons of our government become the new normal of our political culture, let us take a look at community-level programs that serve as concrete examples of good governance.
The Galing Pook Foundation is a private organization established in 1991 to champion innovation and excellence in local governance and to recognize innovative trailblazing programs that can serve as benchmarks for and inspiration to other local government units (LGUs). The foundation tells us that we have LGUs that have, on their own initiative, conceptualized and implemented programs that not only resulted in the enhancement of the physical qualities of their municipalities, but also in the marked improvement of the lives and welfare of their inhabitants.
We must enumerate these LGU projects to have a sense of what they are about and what the LGUs have been able to accomplish. Their record is very impressive.
The “From Arms to Farms” program of Kausuagan municipality in Lanao del Norte province attracted former rebels to join in productive socioeconomic activities. The night-market project of Tagum City in Davao del Norte province converted trash-filled and crime-ridden streets into a bustling night market. Quezon province involved its citizens in a massive tree-replanting program.
Tarlac province was able to provide quality eye-care services to its marginalized and poor communities. South Cotabato province built a sanitary landfill that involved the resources and participation of constituent LGUs. The “Boulevard Project” of Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte province transformed its coastline overcrowded with informal settlers into a venue for economic and recreational activities.
Legazpi City in Albay province constructed an integrated land-transport terminal that reduced traffic congestion and chaos. Quezon City provided medical and clinical services to HIV/AIDS patients of Klinika Bernardo.
These programs were honored at this year’s Galing Pook Awards, which recognizes the best examples of good governance at work in the Philippines.
In granting the awards, Maria Lourdes C. Fernando, chairman of the Galing Pook Foundation and former mayor of Marikina City, said the programs and projects were “surprising in their simplicity” and could easily be replicated in other municipalities and villages.
Congratulations to the LGUs and their partners from the private sector and civil society for working so hard to deliver these services and programs, which meant so much to the lives of their constituencies. Congratulations, too, to the Galing Pook Foundation for unselfishly devoting its precious resources to encourage good governance on the ground level in our country.
As for the national government, if it cannot provide moral and intellectual leadership to LGUs, we hope it will, at least, extend financial support to their programs of good governance.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano