Tagbina, Surigao Sur recognized as Best LGU partner in livelihood
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The Municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, proudly emerged as the National Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Partner in the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) during the Gawad Sulong Awards at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City on September 19.
This recognition, Natatanging Katuwang ng Programa, marked the first-ever national award for Tagbina in this category, positioning the municipality as a model of excellence in governance and in the nationwide implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The award underscored Tagbina’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive local development through innovative, people-centered initiatives.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete reflected on the journey that led Tagbina to this milestone, noting the countless projects already realized through strong partnership and community participation.
“Di na po mabilang ang mga proyektong naisakatuparan po dito. (We cannot count anymore the projects accomplished under this program),” she said. “The only challenge now is how we deal with sustainability and maintenance of these projects, and how we will be able to maintain them for three years, ten years, or even a generation.”
Mayor Lanete emphasized that while program implementation is supported by government funding, continuity demands constant attention and conscious decision-making. This, she said, requires not only leadership but also community ownership.
“Ang sustainable livelihood projects ay mananatili kahit pa po pabagobago ang administrasyon, at ang mga tao na higit ang nakakabenepisyo sa proyekto,” she added, stressing that true sustainability transcends political terms and should always be centered on the welfare of the people.
(The sustainable livelihood projects will remain even if administration in the government changes because the people are benefitting from these projects).
To institutionalize sustainability, Mayor Lanete proudly shared that Tagbina has enacted Municipal Ordinance No. 002, Series of 2025, embedding the SLP as part of the town’s local poverty reduction strategy and ensuring its continuity and yearly operation.
She also cited Tagbina’s successful effort in revolutionizing and sustaining a community consumer store for three years and counting, proving that with resilience and strong systems, an SLP-champion municipality can withstand the challenges of time.
“Tagbinanhons are proud of the fact that we are able to revolutionize a consumer store and strengthen it for three years and counting. Patunay na ang isang tatak SLP municipality champion ay hindi basta-basta matitinag sa mga hamon ng panahon,” the mayor affirmed.
Model of inclusive development
The recognition of Tagbina as the National Best LGU Partner in SLP highlighted not only its outstanding implementation of livelihood projects but also its institutional innovations that guarantee long-term benefits for its people. By embedding SLP into its governance framework, Tagbina has set a precedent for other municipalities nationwide, demonstrating how sustainability, inclusivity, and accountability can be achieved through local leadership and grassroots empowerment.
The award served as a testament to the municipality’s holistic approach to governance, where programs are not just implemented but nurtured, sustained, and transformed into generational legacies for Tagbinanhons. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
