Story By Hanna Joyce B. Macawili and Alfonso Alex C. Labrague Jr.
METRO MANILA, Philippines –Samar State University, through the Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance (SICGLG), was conferred with the 2024 NextGen CapDev Accelerator in Local Governance National Award during the 9th Capacity Development Awards Gabi ng Pasasalamat of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy (LGA), held on December 11, 2024, at The Manila Hotel, Philippines. This marks the second time the university has received this recognition since 2022.
According to the awarding body, this acknowledgement recognizes SSU’s strong commitment and efforts along with good local governance through its collaborative partnership with DILG Region VIII and DILG Samar that “led to better performance and improved service delivery among LGUs, promoting transparency, accountability, and active participation among citizens, ultimately contributing to the overall development and governance improvement in Samar Island.”
In an interview, SICGLG Director Dr. Cabaguing shared that the award is a result of the collective efforts of SICGLG’s researchers and extension workers.
“This recognition is a testament to the center’s growing relevance in the improvement of local governance. This award is shared with all the hardworking research and extension workers of the SSU-SICGLG. This will drive the center even more to further its capacity development efforts for Samar LGUs and beyond,” Dr. Cabaguing remarked.
The award was received by SSU’s Vice President for Research and Extension Services, Engr. Mirador G. Labrador, as the representative of the SSU President, Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, along with SICGLG Director, Dr. Abigail M. Cabaguing, and SICGLG Faculty Researchers, Asst. Prof. Julie Ann M. Quilatan and Mr. Alfonso Alex C. Labrague Jr. They were accompanied by DILG Region VIII representative, Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Darwin Bibar.
In addition to receiving the award, SSU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DILG Regional Office VIII and the LGA during the same function. This new partnership aims to provide training, resources, and technical support to local government units (LGUs), empowering them to deliver better public services and implement effective governance practices.
LGA’s Assistant Director Esmeralda Daphne N. Purnell, CESO IV, said that this partnership “signals the integration of formerly separate songs that now, together, will resonate louder and stronger.” The ceremonial signing marks a significant step toward building stronger and more efficient local governance systems across the region.
Established in 2019, SICGLG serves as an umbrella organization for SSU’s initiatives aimed at improving local governance. The center facilitates support, service, education, and leadership across all sectors of local government in the Samar Island.