The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has awarded this city the 2022 Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH) for the 12th time, the City Information Office (CIO) said Tuesday.

The city was cited for its commitment to following accounting and auditing standards, rules, and regulations as evaluated by the Commission of Audit (COA).

City Planning and Development Office coordinator Ivan Cortez said the SGFH validated the city’s responsible and efficient financial management practices.

The award, Cortez said, renews the city’s eligibility for the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance.

“With DILG recognizing Davao City as an SGFH awardee since 2011 means we are steadfast in being a center of excellence in public governance,” he added.

According to Cortez, the city government has always ensured that the processes and systems for fiscal management are sound and are always accountable and transparent.

The SGFH, created under the Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019, is a recognition-based program for all local government units (LGUs) to promote good governance and progress.

The award recognizes LGUs that prioritize accountability and transparency in their financial management practices.

It aims to promote the responsible and efficient use of public funds, minimize corruption and misuse, and increase public awareness of the allocation of funds for local development projects.

An LGU-recipient of the SGFH must adhere to accounting and auditing standards, comply with full disclosure policies, manage its resources wisely, and effectively use available tools for local development. (PNA)