Iloilo city: Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda is advocating for the institutionalization of the Seal of Good Housekeeping across all barangays in Iloilo City to enhance local governance standards.
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative originates from the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) after the council secretariat's benchmarking efforts with their counterparts in Manila. Vice Mayor Baronda noted that the initiative is designed to inspire barangay captains and councils to improve their performance and adhere to principles of transparency, participatory governance, and accountability. She emphasized that the proposed ordinance would provide guidance on executing responsibilities effectively.
The proposal takes inspiration from the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Seal of Good Housekeeping but is tailored for barangay-level governance. Baronda highlighted the opportunity to strengthen governance standards at the barangay level, recognizing their crucial role in delivering government services.
Baronda also pointed out the timeliness of the proposal, as the council's committee on rules is currently examining barangay budgeting programs. She proposed forming a technical working group to facilitate seminars and workshops focused on barangay budgeting, aiming to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.
The proposed ordinance includes provisions for the city government to offer incentives to barangays that meet the criteria established under the Seal of Good Housekeeping.
