Agusan Norte recognizes LGUs, institutions, individuals for exemplary governance
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The province of Agusan del Norte honored outstanding local government units (LGUs), offices, schools, and individuals for exemplary governance during the 11th Accelerating New Dimensions on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL) Awards.
The prestigious awards held in December 2025 recognized integrity, efficiency, and citizen-centered public service, reinforcing national priorities on transparency, accountability, peace and order, social protection, and inclusive development.
“This is not simply a gathering; it is the culmination of more than a decade of dedication. This milestone proves that when public servants commit to integrity and quality, transformation becomes inevitable,” said Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante emphasized that excellence must remain the standard in public service.
Under the Most Resilient LGU category, Carmen, Las Nieves, and Tubay were awarded in the Stable Category; Buenavista, Cabadbaran City, Jabonga, Kitcharao, and Santiago received recognition in the Developing Category. In sectoral performance, Jabonga topped the Best Performing Anti-Drug Abuse Council, followed by Tubay and Magallanes; Las Nieves led the Outstanding Peace and Order Council, with Jabonga and Santiago placing second and third, respectively.
Las Nieves emerged as one of the top-performing LGUs, earning multiple recognitions across key governance pillars. Mayor Karen S. Rosales attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of local officials, municipal employees, and community partners.
“These honors reflect our shared commitment, dedication, and teamwork. Beyond the awards, our focus remains on strengthening governance, delivering inclusive and sustainable services, and improving leadership and resilience for the benefit of all Las Nievesnons,” said Rosales.
At the barangay level, exemplary community justice initiatives were recognized under the Outstanding Lupon Tagapamayapa, including Brgy. Mabini, Cabadbaran City; Población 4, Buenavista; Maningalao, Las Nieves; A. Beltran, Jabonga; and Tagmamarkay, Tubay. The Best Performing Barangay awards were conferred on Poblacion 2, Nasipit (Urban), and Doña Telesfora, Tubay (Rural).
The Most Functional Nutrition Council awards went to Tubay, Nasipit, and Buenavista, alongside recognition of Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars Gladys Mae Escalante, Merlita Delapa, and Colyn A. Sajulga.
The awards also underscored the province’s commitment to child protection and inclusive governance. Jabonga was named Most Child-Friendly LGU and Most PWD-Friendly LGU, followed by Las Nieves and Tubay. Barangay-level awardees included Bay-ang (Cabadbaran City), San Antonio (Remedios T. Romualdez), Doña Telesfora (Tubay), Poblacion 2 (Santiago), Poblacion (Carmen), and Poblacion (Jabonga).
Frontliners in nutrition, population, and social welfare were likewise recognized, including Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, Nutrition Program Coordinators, Population Officers, Barangay Population Volunteers, and Program Coordinators. Additional awards were conferred for Outstanding Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), Most Functional Local Council Against Trafficking–Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC), Best Child Development Worker, and Best Documentary on Child Development Service Program.
In agriculture and fisheries, Most Outstanding Farmers and Fisherfolk were recognized, and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Agusan del Norte received the Best Province (Excellence Award) in the Small-Scale Category in Mindanao under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, supporting national food security initiatives.
Other recognitions included Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementers, Best Kadiwa ng Pangulo/AgNor Tabo Implementers, Highest Real Property Tax Collection, Best Performing Municipal Treasurer’s Office, Provincial Animal Rabies Vaccination Champion, Local Legislative Award, Green Viability Assessment System (4-Green Star Rating), CY 2024 Best Office, CY 2024 Best Employee, and Commendation for Excellence in Oil Industry Governance.
Launched in 2014, the ANGELL Awards is a provincial initiative that aligns with national governance reforms by promoting best practices, innovation, and accountability among LGUs and public servants, fostering sustained excellence in public service delivery. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from the province of Agusan del Norte)
