Arteche: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recently handed over a newly completed halfway home and a water refilling station to the local government unit of Arteche in Eastern Samar. These projects were granted as incentives for the town's achievement of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

According to Philippines News Agency, the local government of Arteche emphasized that these initiatives are indicative of the national government's commitment to enhancing the town's disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The halfway home, named the Susan-e Center or the Sustainable-Nutrition and Nanay Empowerment Center, is designed to provide a secure temporary refuge for pregnant women from remote areas. This facility, funded through the town's SGLG 2024 award of PHP1.15 million, aims to support maternal health and safe motherhood practices.

Another significant project is the PHP1 million water refilling station, financed under the 2023 SGLG reward. It is aimed at ensuring the availability of safe and potable water, a critical need during natural disasters. The local government unit stated that the halfway home will serve as a temporary shelter for pregnant mothers from distant communities awaiting delivery, while the water refilling station will ensure access to clean water, particularly during emergencies.

The Susan-e Center can also accommodate individuals accompanying hospital patients, providing them with a safe place to rest. Additionally, the facility supports the town's maternal and child care ordinance, which promotes safe motherhood practices through incentives. The new water refilling station is expected to alleviate the town's drinking water shortage, as it currently depends on five privately owned stations to serve approximately 4,320 households.

The SGLG, established under Republic Act 11292, is an award and incentive program recognizing local government units for their dedication to good governance and continuous performance improvement. Awardees receive an SGLG Incentive Fund, which supports projects aimed at enhancing service delivery, infrastructure, and community welfare.