Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Friday urged the 350 local governments units awarded with 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to use their incentive funds on high-impact projects in their localities—not for personal gains.
Abalos reminded the local officials concerned to comply with the provision prohibiting them from putting their names and photos streamers and road signs about their government projects.
“Don’t take advantage of government projects and use them for personal gain. We serve for the people and they do not owe us to provide good projects and services because this is our job,” Abalos said.
He said the recognized LGUs – 18 provinces, 60 cities and 272 municipalities – have the opportunity to use the money they received for projects that would greatly help their constituents.
“We urge you to use this fund to effect positive change through high impact projects within your jurisdiction. Use this fund to improve service delivery to our countrymen and make your areas prosperous,” Abalos said.
The SGLG incentive fund was established through Republic Act 11292 or SGLG Act of 2019 meant to harmonize local government initiatives with the national development agenda.
Abalos reminded the LGUs that the incentive fund can only be used in projects that support good fiscal administration; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity program; health; education; peace and order and public safety; and business friendliness and competitiveness.
He also reminded the local officials that they are not allowed to use the incentives for training projects; financing of micro credits and loans; administrative and traveling expenses; purchase of administrative ffice equipment, lot; and purchase, maintenance or repair of motor vehicles.
“They can use this fund for the whole year, but it is necessary that the project allocated to it is new and complete and not the same as other agencies. All projects must be completed and liquidated within 12 months after receiving the Notice to Implement from the DILG Regional Office,” Abalos said.
The money will go back to the National Treasury once the LGU failed to use the funds before the end of the year, or failed to start implementing the project within nine months after receiving the Notice to Implement.