Senate Commends 2022 Galing Pook Awardees for Rising to the Challenge of Empowering Leadership in the Face of COVID
March 1, 2023

In a commendation ceremony at the Philippine Senate on March 1, 2023, the awardees of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were recognized for institutionalized standards of excellence in program design and implementation. Sponsored by Senator Lito Lapid, the recognition comes in timely as we enter the 3rd year since the pandemic was officially announced by the World Health Organisation (March 11). 

In his sponsorship speech, Sen. Lapid described the  LGUs as exemplary models not only in their own localities but also across the nation – beacons of hope for all Filipinos, and reminders that leaders can deliver meaningful governance with the necessary support and collaboration with the community. “Sa gitna ng krisis na hatid ng pandemya, ang tagumpay ng inyong mga proyekto ay tila liwanag sa gitna ng dilim na ang bawat kwento tungkol sa pinagdaanang mga suliranin, paghihirap at sakripisyo maging mga paunang tagumpay ay inspirasyon at huwaran na sa mas marami pang mga local government unit na handang maglingkod sa bayan at baguhin ang kinasasadlakan ng mga kanilang mga mamamayan,” he said.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, himself a recipient of multiple Galing Pook awards during his term as local chief executive of Valenzuela City also applauded the efforts of the ten awardees: “Congratulations for carrying out your insightful recommendations in tackling widespread issues innovatively. Definitely, all of you affirm the community and the local government's commitment to good governance.”

The plenary also recognized the Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) for its work as the leading resource institution that promotes innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment and excellence in local governance. 

GPF Executive Director Georgina Hernandez-Yang expressed her gratitude for the commendation from legislators: “For thirty years, the Galing Pook Foundation has been focused on creating impact in communities through good governance - and we think there’s no better place to look than literally outside our own doorsteps. It entails the participation of everyone, not just the local chief executives. Good governance is always a possibility, and we’re proud of the 2022 Awardees for making that a reality for their constituents.”

GPF is, indeed, in steady pursuit of searching, recognizing and replicating best local governance practices in the country. With the theme “Galing Pook @ 30: Levelling Up Local Governance Innovations Towards Building Resilient Communities,” GPF has opened this year’s search for the most adaptive and innovative local governance programs. 

The Galing Pook Awards is a long-standing collaboration with government agencies and is testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships. Together with our institutional partners SM Prime and the DILG Local Government Academy, Galing Pook is able to tap into the wide network of LGUs who are eager to pursue innovative, sustainable practices in leadership. 

The Galing Pook Awards 2023 applications are now open until May 31, 2023. Interested applicants can submit their full application at https://bit.ly/2023GalingPookAwards


Senate commends 2022 Galing Pook Awardees-Press Release