San Fernando Council named Philippines' best

THE City Council of San Fernando was named the Philippines' most outstanding council and has formally entered the Hall of Fame in the Local Legislative Awards under the component city category.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) conferred the award -- the third for the 4th City Council – on Friday at the Mall of Asia.

President Benigno Aquino III, in his address read by DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, reminded the city councils on the "need for sustained dedication and commitment that the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had wanted to encourage in pursuing the Local Legislative Award program."

Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago said the recognition reflects the Council's commitment to the pursuit of excellence and quality in its legislative mission.

He said the City Council's performance was the result of the "harmonious relationship" between the city legislature and the executive sector.

"The city executive and council work hand in hand for our vision for San Fernando to be a Habitat of Human Excellence. The council constantly consults the masses through public hearings before we pass codes, ordinances and resolutions because we know that they are all affected by legislations we pass," Santiago said.

The 4th City Council of San Fernando qualified for the national award after topping the provincial and regional selection earlier this year.

DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan said the selection was based on comprehensive criteria that included: effectiveness of the legislative agenda; legislative tracking system; availability of legislative documents; efficiency of performance of the Sanggunian; and quality of office set-up and staff complement.