Capitol to recognize outstanding LGU-CSO partnerships across Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu will soon recognize local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) with exemplary partnerships through a newly established provincial awards program aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing community-driven governance.

The Cebu Provincial Government formalized the recognition program through Executive Order No. 34, Series of 2026, signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro on June 8.

The order created the “Ato ang Sugbo: Katilingbanong Serbisyo Award sa Sugbo” (Ato ang Sugbo KSAW) as the province’s official awards system for outstanding LGU-CSO partnerships.

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The initiative is expected to strengthen citizen participation while advancing the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance.

“The establishment of a provincial awards system will encourage replication of best practices,” read part of the EO.

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Eligible nominees

Eligible nominees include registered people’s organizations, non-government organizations, and cooperatives operating in Cebu Province that have maintained partnerships with LGUs and implemented programs for at least one year.

Organizations facing pending legal cases involving fraud or misuse of funds, initiatives driven solely by profit without demonstrated community benefit, and political organizations engaged in partisan activities are not eligible.

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The program’s highest distinction is the Outstanding LGU-CSO Partnership Award, which will also recognize first, second, and third runners-up.

Special awards will likewise be presented in the following categories:

Resilient Communities Governance

Inclusive Social Governance

Participatory Governance Excellence

Sustainable Development Partnership

Local Economic Development Catalyst

Innovation in Public Service

Grassroots Empowerment

Capacity Development and Advocacy

Women Empowerment Champion

Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement

Health Governance

Education Development

Nominations may be submitted by LGUs, DILG field officers, accredited CSO federations, or through self-nomination endorsed by the concerned LGU.

Evaluation and incentives

A Provincial Awards Committee headed by Governor Baricuatro and co-chaired by DILG Cebu Provincial Director Dr. Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr. will oversee the selection of awardees.

A Technical Working Group will assist the committee by preparing evaluation guidelines and administering the awards process.

Awardees may receive plaques and certificates of recognition, official provincial citations, and monetary incentives, subject to available funding.

They may also receive capacity development opportunities, endorsements for national recognition programs, and inclusion in the province’s Best Practice Compendium.

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