The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Province has issued a clear statement distancing itself from a viral social media post that circulated recently. The post in question purported to award "Best Performing Vice Mayors" in Cebu Province for the year 2025, causing confusion and surprise among local officials and the public.
Official Clarification from DILG Cebu
In an official release, the DILG Cebu Province office emphasized that it has no involvement or affiliation with the said social media content. The department reiterated its commitment to transparent and rigorous governance processes, stating that it regularly conducts performance assessments for all Local Government Units (LGUs), including barangays. These assessments are part of ensuring effective and accountable local administration across the province.
Recognized Awards and Incentives
According to the DILG, following each assessment, corresponding awards and incentives are granted to local governments as recognition for "exemplary institutional performance and compliance with established standards." The office outlined that its official assessments are meticulous and include 12 specific awards. These are:
- Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)
- Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH)
- Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Functionality Audit
- Peace and Order Council (POC) Functionality Audit
- Local Legislative Award (LLA)
- Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG)
- Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Functionality Audit
- Local Council on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children Functionality Audit
- Subaybayan Award
- Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB)
- Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA)
- Bansiwag Awards for LGUs
The DILG stressed that beyond these listed awards, no other recognitions are issued by their office. This clarification aims to prevent misinformation and uphold the integrity of local governance evaluations.
Reactions from Local Officials
The social media post claimed that 27 out of the total 51 Vice Mayors in Cebu Province were honored as "Best Performing VM's" for their achievements in Local Legislation, Community Engagement, and Service Excellence in 2025. This announcement led to mixed reactions among the purported awardees.
Some selected officials expressed happiness, while others were left puzzled. For instance, Borbon Mayor Nico Dotillos expressed surprise, questioning why he would receive such an award. Similarly, Argao Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega shared his confusion on social media, echoing the sentiments of doubt and curiosity.
Source of the Controversial Awards
The awards in question were attributed to a social media page named "Transparency Good Governance and Accountability Advocates." The DILG's statement serves as a caution to the public and local officials to verify information from official channels and not rely on unverified social media sources.
This incident highlights the importance of transparency and accuracy in recognizing public service achievements, ensuring that accolades are based on legitimate assessments rather than unofficial or misleading posts.
