Photo source: Radio Television Malacañang – RTVM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on barangay officials nationwide to consistently strive for efficient public service, stressing that good governance begins in the barangay.
He delivered the remarks during the 2025 Galing Pook Awards at the Malacañan Palace Ceremonial Hall, where he honored 10 outstanding barangay initiatives.
“This kind of recognition also shows that honest and orderly governance is not only in the hands of the national government—it begins with the basic unit of government, the barangay,” Marcos said in Filipino.
“Because when government processes are clear, the trust of our people grows. When there is accountability, public respect increases. And whenever we put the welfare of the people first, the progress of our nation follows,” he added.
Marcos commended the awardees for inspiring barangays and local governments to pursue innovative, inclusive, and transformative governance.
The 2025 Galing Pook Awards, organized by the Galing Pook Foundation with government and private partners, recognize high-impact governance programs of local government units.
Since its launch in 1993, the awards have recognized 367 programs from 235 local governments.
This year’s awardees include the Save Macabalo River Campaign of Brgy. 57 Dap-dap in Legazpi City and the Balulang BUSkwela child protection program in Cagayan de Oro City.
Also recognized were Brgy. Blue Ridge B’s earthquake readiness plan, Brgy. Daang Bakal’s anti-hunger and climate programs, Brgy. General Malvar’s solar power initiative, and Brgy. Naggasican’s civic engagement project.
Rounding out the list were Brgy. Pantal’s “Justice Garden,” Brgy. Poblacion’s mobile mediation program, Brgy. San Isidro’s estero rehabilitation project, and Brgy. Tagas’ tech-enabled peace and security program.
