Raising the Bar of Excellence in Local Governance:
2024 Galing Pook Awards Receives
147 Program Applications
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The call for applications for the 2024 Galing Pook Awards, which kicked off on March 21, officially wrapped up on June 28. During this period, we received an impressive total of 147 program applications from 111 local government units (LGUs), with submissions representing every region in the country.
This amazing turnout shows just how dedicated our local governments are to finding innovative solutions and striving for excellence. The wide variety of programs submitted gives us a glimpse into the creative and effective ways LGUs are tackling community issues and enhancing public services.
As we move into the next phase of the awards process, the National Selection Committee will carefully evaluate these applications and identify the most outstanding models of local governance. The selection process will focus on programs that demonstrate significant impact, sustainability, and replicability, embodying the core values of the Galing Pook Awards.
In October, the Galing Pook Awards Ceremony will recognize and honor these exceptional efforts. These awards do more than just celebrate the winners; they inspire and set a benchmark for other LGUs aiming for great governance. By showcasing these success stories, we hope to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, leading to better services and a higher quality of life for communities in the country.
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17 LGUs Present their Best Anti-Hunger Programs:
Walang Gutom Awards 2024
Final Presentations
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) proudly hosted the final presentations of the 17 local government units (LGUs) that qualified as finalists for the Walang Gutom Awards 2024 on Tuesday, June 25.
The LGU-finalists include Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City; Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City; Tipo-Tipo, Basilan; Irosin, Sorsogon; Bacnotan, La Union; Magallanes, Cavite; Palompon, Leyte; Asuncion, Davao Del Norte; Iloilo City; Mati City, Davao Oriental; Angeles City, Pampanga; Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Bago City, Negros Occidental; Provincial Government of Isabela; Provincial Government of Biliran; and Quirino Province, Cagayan.
GPF Chairperson Mel Sarmiento and Executive Director Georgina Ann Hernandez-Yang, along with DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay and Assistant Secretary Baldr Bringas, attended the event held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. Experts on food security and nutrition initiatives served as members of the National Selection Committee: Dr. Edna Co, Dr. Helen Dayo, Ramon Derige, Former Mayor Fernando Mesa, Dr. Emma Porio, Danilo Songco, Gisela Tiongson, and Former Mayor Dr. Alfredo Valdez.
Of these 17 exceptional LGUs, 10 were awarded the Walang Gutom Awards 2024. The winners were announced on Wednesday, June 26, at Malacañang Palace, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian leading the ceremony.
The Walang Gutom Awards, a collaborative initiative by GPF and DSWD, recognizes and promotes the best practices of LGUs in addressing food security and nutrition challenges. This effort is part of GPF's commitment to promote LGU best practices on food security and nutrition through strong CSO participation in line with the SPACES project.
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Celebrating Food Security Champions:
Walang Gutom Awards 2024 Ceremony
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Galing Pook Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), proudly announced the “10 Champion Programs” of the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards on June 26, 2024, at Malacañang Palace. These awards recognize innovative and effective local government unit (LGU) initiatives that address hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition, and other nutrition-related issues.
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The ten winners are:
- Reskyusi Food Basket Program – Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City
- Gulayan sa Bawat Bakuran – Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City
- SIBOL: Sustainable Interventions to Break Hunger and Zero Malnutrition – Bacnotan, La Union
- Adlaw sa Danggit – Palompon, Leyte
- Intersectoral Participation: Our Way to Combat Malnutrition– Asuncion, Davao del Norte
- Food Staples Sufficiency Program – Bago City, Negros Occidental
- Pagka-on Aton Tatapon: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Food Security – Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
- Kidapawan City Agricultural Market and Trading Center (KCAMTC): A Community Engagement for Food Production and Nutrition – Kidapawan City, Cotabato
- Maternal, Mental, Nutrition Recovery Family Care-Avan – Mati City, Davao Oriental
- From Garden to Table Program – Biliran, Eastern Visayas
These exemplary programs showcase the dedication and innovation of LGUs in tackling hunger and improving nutrition. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Selection Committee for their dedication and expertise in selecting these ten outstanding awardees. Their hard work ensures that the best and most impactful programs are recognized and celebrated.
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Uniting for a Hunger-Free Philippines:
Galing Pook Supports the
Launch of "Kain Tayo Pilipinas"
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Galing Pook Foundation proudly supports the private-sector coalition "Kain Tayo Pilipinas," which is dedicated to achieving a Philippines free from hunger and malnutrition. The coalition was launched yesterday, led by Chairperson Manuel V. Pangilinan and members from various business organizations. The Philippine Business for Social Progress serves as the convener of this initiative.
During the launch, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the government's efforts in combating hunger and invited coalition members to support local governments participating in the Walang Gutom Awards, co-organized by Galing Pook Foundation.
GPF Executive Director Georgina Hernandez Yang moderated a lively plenary discussion with winners of the Walang Gutom Awards. The panel included Bacnotan, La Union Mayor Divina Fontanilla, Barangay Commonwealth Kagawad Raymart Garcia, John Echauz from SUN Business Network, and Austere Panadero from Zuellig Family Foundation. The discussions centered on concrete collaborative efforts in nutrition, food security, and creating an enabling environment to end hunger.
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We had a productive #CATALYZE meeting with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and his City Social Welfare and Development team to discuss USAID's program focused on the health and employment of the 4Ps youth.
With support from Palladium and USAID, Galing Pook serves as the social preparation and mentoring partner of this project by bringing together LGU and civil society stakeholders for the promotion of the program. CATALYZE Local Service Provider for Health, Ugat ng Kalusugan also joined the meeting.
Mayor Vico affirmed his support for the CATALYZE program's objectives, which are to empower 4Ps youth with sustainable employment and improved health outcomes. He ensured that the program will be promoted and maximized in Pasig. |
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Strengthening Youth Futures:
Innovations in Local Governance Deliver Positive Results for the Youth
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#CATALYZE:
Galing Pook Holds Info Sessions to Enhance Youth Employment and Health
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The USAID CATALYZE project, an initiative by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Palladium, is making a significant impact on the lives of 4Ps youth in the Philippines. The project aims to support these young individuals in achieving sustainable employment and improved health outcomes through three primary objectives: improving employment outcomes, increasing access to and utilization of health services, and strengthening healthy adolescent behavior through mentorship.
Galing Pook Foundation, Inc., a key partner in this initiative, is responsible for the social preparation and onboarding of the 4Ps youth in Pasig City and Naic, Cavite. Information sessions have been held to present the CATALYZE project as a platform for youth to enhance their skills and competencies, ultimately fostering a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities. These sessions also encourage participants to make informed decisions about joining the program by fostering self-awareness.
On June 15, 2024, Galing Pook conducted two information sessions at Pasig City Hall, attracting 71 youth from various barangays. In Naic, Cavite, 78 youth participated in a similar session on June 21. To reach even more youth, three additional sessions were held in Pasig on June 29, engaging a total of 47 young individuals. These sessions were made possible through collaboration with the City/Municipal Welfare and Development Offices of each local government unit (LGU).
Following their indication of interest in the CATALYZE program, the youth will undergo the 4Cs orientation (Catalyze, Care, Course & Career), which includes basic life skills training and technical training. These components are designed to enhance their employability.
The USAID CATALYZE project continues to serve as a beacon of hope for young adults, helping them achieve sustainable employment and improved health outcomes. Through these efforts, the project aims to create lasting positive impacts on the lives of the 4Ps youth and their communities.
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Inspiring Inclusive Governance:
Galing Pook and USAID-CHANGE Collaboration
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The Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) and the United States Agency for International Development Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (USAID-CHANGE) Project have joined forces to promote citizen participation in governance. This collaboration includes the conferment of a Special Citation to one of the finalists of the 2024 Galing Pook Awards, recognizing exceptional efforts in fostering inclusive and participatory governance at the local level.
On June 27, a significant roundtable discussion and workshop were held, bringing together former and current members of the Galing Pook Awards National Selection Committee, representatives from USAID CHANGE, the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), and various local leagues. The event focused on evaluating and enhancing various indicators of participatory governance as they apply to different programs implemented by local governments.
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During the workshop, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to increasing citizen engagement in governance. The collaborative effort aimed to identify key metrics and indicators that effectively measure the impact of participatory governance initiatives. Insights gained from this discussion are expected to inform the evaluation criteria for the Special Citation, ensuring that it accurately reflects the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and community involvement.
Here’s to strengthening our commitment to empowering local governments and communities through active citizen participation. By recognizing and promoting exemplary models of participatory governance, we continue to inspire other local government units to adopt similar practices, ultimately contributing to more responsive and accountable governance across the Philippines.
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Advancing Education Initiatives:
Galing Pook Joins 3rd EDCOM II
Meeting for Youth Education
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Galing Pook Foundation advocated to support the scaling up of LGU best practices on education and child nutrition in the 3rd EDCOM II Sulong EDCOM para sa Kabataan Coalition Technical Working Group meeting. As a member of the LGU Engagement and Advocacy TWG, Galing Pook supports the establishment of a one-stop-shop where other LGUs, private sector and civil society organizations could learn about models that have improved learning and nutrition outcomes. These models address one of the root causes in our country's poor education levels, which is stunting and malnutrition.
The focus of the session was to review the progress of various proposals that each TWG has been working on. We checked in on how each group is advancing their interventions and discussed any challenges they’re facing. The meeting also included a review of proposed timelines to ensure everything is on track.
This gathering was a key opportunity for GPF and other stakeholders to align on strategies and make adjustments as needed. GPF’s involvement underscores our commitment to collaborating on initiatives that aim to enhance the education system and support the needs of the youth.
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Strengthening Governance Through
Collaboration, Inclusion and Innovation:
GPF Presents Philippine LGU Innovations
at KAPA International Conference
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Galing Pook Executive Director Georgina Hernandez-Yang, presented a paper on "Strengthening Governance through Collaboration, Inclusion, and Innovation" at the Korean Association for Public Administration (KAPA) Summer International Conference on June 19.
In her presentation, she shared insights about Philippine local government innovation and empowerment models, highlighting GPF's performance-based and data-driven awards program. Her talk garnered significant interest from Korean and US academic institutions, showcasing the global relevance and appeal of GPF's initiatives.
She noted, "Happy to share about our Philippine local government innovation and empowerment models during the KAPA International Conference. There’s a lot to learn about collaborative, inclusive, and innovative LGU programs so that we can work towards scaling them up for greater impact."
GPF expresses its gratitude to Dr. Ador Torneo, GPF Trustee, for facilitating the connection with KAPA and providing the opportunity to highlight the exemplary programs recognized by the Galing Pook Awards.
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Strengthening Community of Practice:
BARMM LGU Fellows for Social Cohesion and Resilience
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Social Cohesion and Resilience Fellows from the local government units (LGUs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recently gathered for a dynamic workshop held on July 3-4 at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas. The event aimed to bolster their collective efforts in service delivery, economic development, public order and safety, and inclusive governance.
The workshop was designed to co-create program activities with the LGU fellows, establishing a shared direction to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of their community of practice. This collaborative approach is key to fostering resilience and social cohesion in the region.
Supported by Australia in The Philippines, The Asia Foundation, and the Galing Pook Foundation, the workshop deepened engagement with BARMM LGUs to back locally-led and data-driven initiatives against violent extremism. Launched in 2023, the LGU Fellowship Program on Social Cohesion and Resilience aspires to build a robust community of practice among BARMM LGUs dedicated to driving transformative peace and development in the region.
The fellowship serves as a platform for learning-focused activities, promoting collaboration among LGUs and stakeholders. It encourages practical approaches rooted in good local governance, ensuring that BARMM continues to move towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
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Empowering Local Solutions:
Galing Pook Shares Best Practices at
Human Rights-Based Drug Workshop
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In response to the calls for alternative approaches to addressing the illegal drugs issue, the Galing Pook Foundation actively participated in the "Mayor’s Playbook for Human Rights-Based Approach to Drugs Workshop" on July 18-19, 2024, at Cocoon Hotel, Quezon City. The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Joint Programme for Human Rights (UNJPHR) in the Philippines, and the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
The workshop aimed to gather insights from key agencies and stakeholders for inclusion in the Mayor’s Playbook. During the event, Galing Pook shared award-winning programs from local government units, such as General Santos City's Likay Droga. Representing Galing Pook were Executive Director Georgina Ann Yang, Local Governance Specialist Jay Carizo, and Mentor Elmer Soriano, who also facilitated the workshop.
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Towards #WalangGutom2027:
Galing Pook Turns Over LGU Food Security and Nutrition Toolkit to DSWD, DILG, DOH
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As part of SPACES (Strengthening Participation and Accountability Through Civil Society Organizations and Engagement with Subnational and National Government) Project, Galing Pook presented the replication toolkit that it developed in collaboration with Oxfam Pilipinas and Agrea supported by Australian Embassy, featuring Galing Pook awarded programs that have successfully addressed hunger and malnutrition in their localities. The goal of the toolkit is to empower local actors to have a data-driven and whole of society approach in addressing the hunger crisis. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian committed to utilize this toolkit in the DSWD Academy's training program with LGUs for its Champion Mayors for Social Protection.
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