NDMU and DILG-XII Present Groundbreaking Study and Sustainability Framework for Local Governance Excellence in Region 12

Demonstrating the power of collaboration between government and academia, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XII and Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) successfully partnered in a commissioned research project aimed at understanding and strengthening the sustainability of governance excellence among Local Government Units (LGUs) in Region XII.

DILG Region XII officials  and the NDMU research team pose for a photo during the presentation of the publication "Stories of Hope, Action, and Impact.” Present in the image are Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESO III, Assistant Regional Director Samuel A. Camaganacan, CE, Mrs. Sheila B. Roma, MPA, and Dr. Wilter C. Friales.

The study, entitled “Sustainability Framework for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG): Reflecting the Understanding, Roles, Gains, Sustaining Practices, and Challenges Experienced by Consistent SGLG Awardees in Region XII,” was commissioned by DILG Region XII under the leadership of Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESO III, and Assistant Regional Director Samuel A. Camaganacan, CE. The initiative reflects DILG’s continuing commitment to evidence-based governance and policy development in support of local government excellence.

The research partnership was undertaken in collaboration with Notre Dame of Marbel University, led by Br. Paterno S. Corpus, FMS, University President, through the External Affairs Office and the Research and Publication Center (RPC). The project highlights the growing role of higher education institutions as strategic partners of government agencies in generating knowledge that informs public policy, governance reforms, and sustainable development initiatives.

The research was directed by Mrs. Sheila B. Roma, MPA, Director of the NDMU Research and Publication Center, who served as Project Director. The study was led by Dr. Wilter C. Friales, Professor and Acting Vice President for External Affairs, together with the RPC staff and research team.

The study examined how the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) contributes to the improvement and sustainability of local governance among LGUs that have consistently received the prestigious national recognition. Recognized as the Philippine government's premier governance assessment and incentive mechanism, the SGLG promotes excellence in transparency, accountability, service delivery, financial administration, disaster preparedness, environmental management, and citizen participation.

Guided by a qualitative research design, the study explored the experiences and perspectives of unit heads and employees from selected consistent SGLG awardees in Region XII. Specifically, it investigated their understanding of the SGLG, the roles they play in sustaining governance excellence, the gains derived from the program, the practices that enable sustainability, the challenges encountered, and the adaptive responses employed by LGUs to maintain high governance standards. The study also developed a sustainability framework that explains how governance excellence can be institutionalized and sustained over time.

Findings revealed that among consistent awardees, the SGLG has evolved beyond being merely an annual assessment or award. Instead, it has become deeply embedded in organizational culture, influencing planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and public service delivery. The research emphasized that sustained governance excellence is achieved through the synergy of leadership, empowered employees, institutionalized systems, continuous learning, citizen participation, and strong inter-agency collaboration.

One of the major outputs of the project is the development of the SGLG Sustainability Framework, which presents key dimensions necessary for sustaining governance excellence. These include institutionalization of systems and standards, leadership continuity, employee empowerment, fiscal discipline, inter-office collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, human resource development, community engagement, and organizational motivation. The framework further illustrates a sustainability cycle through which LGUs transform compliance into a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability.

Beyond its academic contribution, the study provides valuable policy insights for both DILG Region XII and local government units. It recommends strengthening sustainability coaching, institutionalizing governance systems, expanding digital governance initiatives, supporting workforce development, enhancing citizen participation, and promoting knowledge-sharing among LGUs. These recommendations are expected to contribute to stronger governance systems and more resilient communities throughout the region.

The collaboration between DILG Region XII and Notre Dame of Marbel University exemplifies how government agencies and academic institutions can work together to address real-world governance challenges. By combining DILG’s practical governance expertise with NDMU’s research capability, the partnership demonstrates the vital role of research in generating actionable knowledge that informs policy, strengthens institutions, and advances sustainable development.

As NDMU continues to pursue its mission of forming persons of character, competence, and culture in harmony, the University remains committed to contributing to nation-building through research, innovation, and meaningful engagement with government, communities, and development partners. This commissioned study stands as a testament to the University's dedication to producing research that not only advances knowledge but also creates tangible impact in society.