In a leading-edge initiative to promote good local governance, Ateneo de Naga University through its Center for Local Governance, recently conducted its webinar on Replicable Practices on Local Governance featuring the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance awardees coming from the Province of Camarines Sur on January 17, 2025 via Zoom and which was streamed live at the AdNU CLG’s Facebook Page and YouTube Accounts.
The objective of the webinar series is twofold: to showcase the strategies and programs of these municipalities that earned them the SGLG and to inspire other municipalities to make the same effort and adopt and/or enhance similar practices for the benefit of their whole communities.
The webinar began with a warm and welcoming message from the Director of the AdNU-Center for Local Governance and the Dean of Graduate School Ateneo de Naga University, Dr. Malu C. Barcillano. Dr. Barcillano introduced the presenters coming from the 2024 SGLG awardees of Camarines Sur from the City Government of Naga, Ms. Armie B.Gunay, Program Director of I-Governance; Local Government of Magarao, Arch. Deemie E. Jagmoc, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator; and Hon. Mayor Jesus F. Camara, Local Chief Executive of LGU Libmanan.
Arch. Deemie E. Jagmoc, Municipal Planning and Development Officer of the Local Government of Magarao, shared their replicable practices, highlighting the programs and initiatives that reflect the municipality’s commitment to the 10 areas of good governance. These include: Financial Administration, Responsiveness, Safety, Peace and Order, Disaster Preparedness, Sustainable Education, Environmental Awareness, Social Pillar, Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts, and Youth Development. This was presented on behalf of Hon. Mayor Philip Salvador Señar.
One of the practices and programs highlighted under Disaster Preparedness is the Gawad Kalasag Award, which was awarded to the Local Government of Magarao for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Ms. Armie B. Gunay, Program Director of the I-Governance Program, on behalf of City Mayor, Hon. Nelson S. Legacion of the City Government of Naga, shared their replicable practices in good local governance. Ms. Gunay emphasized the award received by the City Government of Naga for being recognized as the Top Overall Most Competitive Component City by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In addition to this achievement, the City Government of Naga has also reclaimed its position, receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award.
Hon. Mayor Jesus F. Camara of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Libmanan presented an overview of the municipality’s replicable practices, emphasizing the strategies and initiatives that contributed to their receipt of the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award. His presentation highlighted the key factors and good governance principles that helped Libmanan achieve this recognition, underscoring their commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery.
The webinar was skillfully moderated by Mr. Josh Barcelon, whose role in guiding the discussions ensured a smooth and engaging exchange of ideas. As the moderator, Mr. Barcelon helped facilitate meaningful conversations between the featured municipalities and the attendees. He encouraged interactive dialogue, allowing participants to ask questions and share insights, which enriched the overall experience.
The webinar concluded successfully, thanks to the seamless technical support provided by the staff of the James O’ Brien Library, Mr. Sherwin B. Perez and Ms. Xeena F. Almendral. Their assistance ensured that the event ran smoothly, without technical hitches hindering the flow of the presentations and discussions.
by Ariel N. Malate
Technical Staff
AdNU-Center for Local Governance
