Eastern Samar Undergoes Performance Review, Prepares for SGLG Assessment

Posted on May. 3, 2026 at 3:55 pm

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — The provincial government of Eastern Samar, led by Governor RV Evardone, has launched a comprehensive evaluation of its governance performance as part of preparations for the upcoming Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessment cycle.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spearheaded the Regional Champions for Good Local Governance (RCGLG) Compliance and Performance Review Meeting on April 28, held at the Provincial Government Office (PGO) Conference Room, where officials analyzed the province’s performance from the previous year against national SGLG indicators.

The meeting focused on identifying gaps in compliance, pinpointing areas where the province fell short of standards, and outlining concrete steps to enhance readiness for the upcoming assessment – a key recognition that validates local government units’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery.

In its recommendations, the DILG emphasized the need for Eastern Samar to institutionalize the SGLG governance framework across all operations, strengthen systems for tracking compliance with requirements, and address long-standing procedural bottlenecks that have contributed to delays in meeting targets. The agency also proposed implementing quarterly performance reviews for each governance area and initiating early preparations for future assessment cycles to ensure thoroughness and timeliness.

Governor Evardone acknowledged the challenges involved but expressed optimism about the province’s capacity to improve its standing. “Let’s take it step by step, but we’ll get there,” he said. “We just have to overcome certain hurdles first, na medyo maiha na ha aton, then we’ll go from there.”

The review brought together representatives from the DILG and key provincial departments, including the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Eastern Samar Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ESDRRMO), Provincial Accountant’s Office, Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office (PPDO), Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO), Provincial Assessor’s Office, and Provincial Tourism Office – reflecting the cross-cutting nature of the SGLG assessment, which covers multiple aspects of local governance from disaster preparedness to financial management.

The SGLG program, administered by the DILG, is designed to promote excellence in local governance by setting clear standards for service delivery, resource management, and community engagement. For Eastern Samar, achieving or maintaining the seal would not only affirm the province’s progress but also unlock access to additional national funding and incentives for development projects.