At least 53 local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have been assessed at the national level as potential passers for the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.Some 42 of these LGUs have undergone the onsite national validation last week by the DILG-Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS), while 11 have been assessed online.The number is higher than the 33 actual SGLG passers in the region last year."These local governments have shown exemplary performance in key governance areas, demonstrating their commitment to transparency, accountability, and enhanced public service delivery," the DILG regional office said in a statement.The DILG has yet to release the list of areas initially qualified to earn the seal.'The validation process plays a critical role in recognizing LGUs that embody the principles of good governance and excellent public service delivery. These evaluations serve as the primary reference for the Council for Good Local Governance during their final deliberations to determine which LGUs will be honored with this prestigious recognition,' the statement added.These LGUs were assessed based on their capacity to demonstrate proficiency in all 10 governance areas: financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity; health compliance and responsiveness; sustainable education; business-friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace, and order; environmental management; tourism, heritage development, culture, and arts; and youth development.The SGLG, implemented under Republic Act No. 11292, is an institutionalized award incentive, honor, and recognition-based program that aims to boost LGUs' commitment to continuously progress and improve their performance in various governance areas.Source: Philippines News Agency