QUEZON CITY — The Galing Pook Foundation gathered local government officials, program managers, development partners, and governance practitioners from across the country for the first online information session on the 2026 Galing Pook Awards, held via Zoom on June 16, 2026.

Carrying the theme “Islands of Hope: Local Innovations, National Inspiration,” the session guided prospective applicants through the awards mechanics, eligibility requirements, storytelling approaches, and online application process.

In her opening message, Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Dr. Maria Fe V. Mendoza welcomed participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and encouraged local governments to share programs that demonstrate safe, smart, sustainable, innovative, creative, and resilient practices that can inspire replication in other communities.

Representatives from Galing Pook’s partner institutions also expressed support for the 2026 search. Local Government Academy (LGA) Assistant Director, Esmeralda Daphne N. Purnell, reaffirmed the agency's continuing commitment to document and share local governance innovations through its knowledge management platforms. Land Bank of the Philippines First Vice President, Eden B. Japitana, emphasized the role of LGUs in building resilient communities and translating policies into meaningful services. SM Supermalls Vice President, Engr. Liza Silerio, likewise highlighted the importance of recognizing local sustainability and resilience initiatives that improve the quality of life of Filipinos.

Galing Pook Executive Director Jay A. Carizo presented the mechanics of the 2026 Awards, noting that the search is open to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays with programs that are connected to actual LGU work or governance processes. Programs may be initiated by LGUs, NGOs, CSOs, or partnerships, provided that they are implemented with, through, or inside a local government unit.

To qualify, programs must have been operating for at least two years before the submission deadline and must show significant and verifiable results.

Carizo said the Awards are not only about winning, but also about sharing proof that good governance is possible and already happening in communities. He emphasized three reasons for joining the Awards: recognition for pioneering local innovation, replication of good practices by other LGUs, and possible resourcing or support from partners who may help amplify effective programs.

Entries will be assessed based on positive results and impact; participation, empowerment, and partnership; innovation and adaptation to local context; resilience and social cohesion; sustainability; and efficiency and transferability. Applicants were reminded that budget size is not the main basis for recognition, and that entries will be assessed according to context, results, people’s participation, and potential for learning and replication.

Galing Pook Trustee Kiko V. Miranda also shared storytelling tips for applicants, stressing that strong entries should clearly explain the problem being addressed, balance human stories with data, make the innovation stand out, show alignment with local, national, and global goals, and demonstrate measurable impact rather than merely listing activities. He encouraged LGUs to use clear visuals, avoid jargon, and tell stories that show not only what changed, but who changed and why the change matters.

Galing Pook Program Manager Adrian H. Adove then walked participants through the online application form, including the eligibility check, LGU and contact information, file upload requirements, and submission process. Applicants were advised to prepare their answers and supporting documents before encoding their submissions online.

The 2026 Galing Pook Awards will select Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs, with possible special citations or awards depending on the entries received.

Applications must be submitted on or before July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Philippine time. After submission, entries will undergo screening by the National Selection Committee, site validation, selection of finalists, finalist orientation, final presentation and interview, and the awarding ceremony in October 2026.

For questions and updates, applicants may monitor the official Galing Pook channels or send inquiries to galingpookawards@gmail.com.

As the search opens, Galing Pook calls on local governments across the country to share the innovations that give their communities hope and can inspire the nation.