09/10/2026
𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗟𝗚𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
The City Government of Catbalogan underwent the Regional Validation for the Regional Local Governance Champions on October 8, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall, Catbalogan City, Samar, following its identification as a potential passer during the provincial validation.
The validation was conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office VIII Regional Assessment Team, led by LGOO VI Adrian Thomas L. Colasito, Assistant Division Chief of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED), together with LGOO III Engr. Joven Estrelles, Regional Focal Person. They were assisted by LGOO VII Carolina O. Ampong, DILG Samar Cluster Head; Atty. Marlito Joshua B. Amistoso, Provincial Focal Person; CLGOO Ma. Vanessa C. Borja and Estefanie Raechel D. Reyes of the DILG Catbalogan City.
Catbalogan City was identified as potential awardee based on the initial RLGC calibration results. As part of the regional assessment, the validation team conducted a comprehensive review of governance-related documents and onsite inspections of facilities and projects to verify the city's compliance with RLGC standards.
Following the document review and field validation, the assessment team convened an exit conference with officials and employees of the City Government of Catbalogan and representatives of partner agencies to discuss the assessment results, observations, and recommendations.
During the exit conference, Engr. Estrelles emphasized the importance of strengthening environmental management, particularly solid waste management, as a growing concern for urban centers. He encouraged the city to prioritize this area, stressing that it is a responsibility that local governments must take seriously.
Meanwhile, LGOO VI Colasito commended the city's programs and initiatives, particularly its state-of-the-art Operations Center (OPCEN). He emphasized that good governance requires continuous improvement and collective effort, reminding the local government that there is always room for improvement despite its commendable accomplishments.
City Mayor Hon. Dexter M. Uy congratulated the city government personnel and partner agencies for their efforts in preparing for the assessment. He recalled the challenge raised during the previous year's assessment concerning an environmental management indicator, which motivated the local government to address its shortcomings and work toward meeting the required standards.
DILG Samar Cluster Head Carolina O. Ampong also expressed her appreciation for the city's efforts, noting that the observations and recommendations from the previous year's assessment had been addressed accordingly. She encouraged the local government to sustain its commitment to improving governance practices and pursuing innovative approaches to public service delivery.
The regional validation reflects Catbalogan City's continuing commitment to strengthening local governance, improving public service delivery, and upholding standards of excellence across critical governance areas. As the city advances through the RLGC assessment process, the activity underscores the importance of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community.
