WE ARE proud that the City of San Fernando copped the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government. San Fernando was proclaimed a winner on November 7, 2018 in ceremonies held at the Manila Hotel. A beaming Mayor Edwin Santiago received the award.
This is the highest citation that the City can ask for. If Hollywood has the Oscar and the Philippine Cinema the FAMAS, this is the trophy that every local executive dreams of. Out of the 1,682 LGU’s, only 263 passed the criteria set for good governance.
The norms are as follows:
1) Financial Administration
Is there full disclosure of the finances of the City?
Is there at least 5% income revenue growth for the last 3 years?
Is the annual budget approved with the prescribed period?
The Answer to each question is all in the affirmative for San Fernando.
2) Disaster Preparedness
Is the City prepared for calamities – man made or natural? Have we been pro-active in floods and typhoons? Yes – our receipt of several Kalasag Awards validate this status.
3) Social Protection
Is the City child friendly? Our birthing station is one of the best in the whole country. We constantly uphold the rights of women and children in this part of the country.
4) Peace and Order
Do we convene the peace and order council? Yes!
Do the anti-drug abuse council activated? Yes!
Do we provide support to the Katarungang Pambarangay? Yes, Sir.
Are the designated firecrackers area known? Yes, Sir.
5) Business friendly
Doing business in San Fernando is a breeze. No hassle. We have the largest number of Jollibee. SM has three large branches here, and still counting. The Incentive Code is availed by new firms. The increase of capital investments is beyond comparison in this period.
6) Environmental Management
Is there a solid waste program in place? Is there proper collection of garbage? Is there segregation? We are among the top achievers in this category.
7) Tourism
Is there upsurge of tourists in San Fernando? Yes!
Do we have an active tourism program? Yes!
The Lantern Festival is unmatched in its festivity.
All in all, the City under EdSa has surpassed existing records. The Seal of Good Governance is not only a question of getting awarded, it is a gauge of performance (DILG).
Congratulations to the Fernandinos. You deserve the government that you voted into.