MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Exemplary local government units (LGUs) from Lanao del Sur received recognition from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) at the 5th Pagkilala Awarding Ceremony held on January 20, 2025, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.
As part of the activities celebrating the sixth founding anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the event honored outstanding LGUs across BARMM for their remarkable achievements in governance, community development, and public service.
Mayor Dimnatang LB Pansar of Butig and Mayor Khalida D. Polao-Sanguila of Pagayawan were among those honored with the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL), the highest recognition for local chief executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributed meaningfully to the development of their communities.
Each SEAL awardee received a spinner trophy, an 18-karat gold medallion, and a P2 million incentive for a major project in their LGU.
The LGUs of Butig, Calanogas, Kapatagan, and Taraka were also awarded for their exemplary performance in key governance areas, including financial administration, disaster preparedness, and social protection under the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). These LGUs are entitled to an SGLG fund of P1.153 million each.
Calanogas and Kapai were among the recipients of the Drug-Cleared LGUs award for successfully implementing anti-drug campaigns and achieving the status of drug-cleared municipalities.
Several municipalities in the province were also recognized for their commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and welfare through local policies and programs under the Child-Friendly Local Governance Award (CFLGA), Peace and Order Council (POC) Functionality Award, and Anti-Drugs Abuse Council (ADAC) Functionality Award. Recipients for the three awards were Butig, Calanogas, Kapatagan, Lumba Bayabao, Marantao, and Taraka.
Other awardees were Buadipuso-buntong (ADAC and CFLGA), Amai Manabilang (POC and ADAC), Bacolod Kalawi, Balindong (POC), Bayang (POC), Binidayan (CFLGA), Bubong (POC), Ditsaan Ramain (CFLGA), Ganassi (POC), Kapai (POC and ADAC), Madamba (ADAC), Maguing (POC and CFLGA), Marogong (POC), Masiu (ADAC), Mulundo (POC), Pagayawan (POC and ADAC), Piagapo (ADAC), Pualas (ADAC), Saguiaran (POC), Sultan Dumalondong (POC), Tamparan (POC), and Wao (ADAC and CFLGA).
Meanwhile, Barangay Christian Village of Wao ranked sixth in the 2024 Model Barangay Award, while Barangay Mangayao of Taraka secured tenth place. Both barangays were recognized for their exemplary performance in good governance, including achievements in administration, social services, environmental management, and innovation. As part of their recognition, they each received a prize of P1 million.
During the ceremony, Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, MILG Minister, emphasized the importance of good governance in shaping a brighter future for the Bangsamoro region. She also acknowledged the region’s progress over the past six years and encouraged local leaders to continue working toward peace, progress, and moral governance.
“The Pagkilala is not merely a celebration of accolades, but a tribute to the service, leadership, and unwavering dedication of those who uplift our communities,” Dumama-Alba stated.
She further noted that the ceremony is both a milestone and a call to action, serving as a reminder of the region’s progress while challenging everyone to continue striving for excellence.
“Through initiatives like the Search for Model Barangay, the Seal of Good Local Governance, and the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership, we nurture a culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity in governance,” she said.
Dumama-Alba also highlighted that the awards represent stories of perseverance and leadership that drive lasting change. She emphasized that the Bangsamoro people are at the core of all efforts, with the true reward reflected in the smiles of those whose lives have been transformed. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur with reports from MILG)
