Only seven out of 1,721 barangays in Iloilo province earned the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLB), awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the Liga Day 2025 celebration held at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz on Sunday, Aug. 24.

The recognized barangays were San Juan Crisostomo in Anilao; Agboy Norte, Binolbog, and Igcadios in Leon; Pagsanga-an and Ungka II in Pavia; and Gines Nuevo in San Enrique.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of your leaders and constituents in upholding the highest standards of public service,” said DILG-Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo Orbista, who personally handed the plaques of recognition.

The SGLB honors barangays that demonstrate excellence in several governance areas, including financial administration and sustainability, disaster preparedness, social protection, health compliance, business-friendliness, environmental management, and peace and order.

Orbista said the SGLB is one of the department’s initiatives that highlights the crucial role of barangays in nation-building.

The decline in awardees may be due to stricter indicators, according to Liga ng mga Barangay president and Iloilo Board Member Amalia Debuque

“The parameters went down last year… I will double check the reason behind,” she said.

Debuque also clarified that the DILG will discontinue the SGLB next year as ordered by Secretary Benhur “Junvic” Remulla, citing the additional workload it imposes on barangay officials.

However, she stressed that this would not affect the performance of barangay councils in carrying out their duties.

To fill the gap, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. highlighted the province’s own Seal of Local Governance program, which will continue to recognize high-performing barangays.

He also called on local leaders to support provincial programs in tourism promotion, solid waste management, and the Tanum Iloilo reforestation initiative.

“The barangay is the foundation. Before the province and municipalities can move forward, progress begins at the grassroots level,” Defensor said in his address before the Liga members.

Around 13,300 barangay officials from across Iloilo attended the Liga Day celebration, underscoring the pivotal role of barangay leaders as frontliners in community development and governance.IMT