The Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) Zambales Chapter, under the leadership of Hon. Joan D. Ballesteros and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) headed by Hon. Peter T. Lim, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales led by Martin Porres B. Moral and in partnership with the Provincial Government of Zambales thru the leadership of Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.—launched the first (1st) institutionalized Local Legislative Award System dubbed as “Zambales’ Exemplary Achievements as Legislators” or the ZEAL Award, on September 22, 2023 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.
The ZEAL Award's primary objective is to recognize and honor the exceptional accomplishments of the local sanggunians in enacting legislation that promotes effective local governance and development and to acknowledge their valuable contributions and achievements within their respective municipalities, adhering to the criteria established by national agencies such as DILG, VMLP, and PCL.
Governor Ebdane extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Provincial Award Committee as the prime movers behind the award system for their exceptional efforts in meticulously evaluating and selecting the provincial awardees. He stressed the significance of recognizing local legislators who set examples for meaningful local governance and development. "We need to see more forward thinkers, responsive, and competent local legislators in all our sangguniang bayan as our partners in effecting developmental and transformational change in our province", he added.
In her address, Hon. Ballesteros emphasized the importance of the event, saying, "Let this ceremony serve as a source of inspiration for all of us to continue our work toward a better and more prosperous future for our beloved province."
The dedicated efforts of the Sangguniang Bayan Members of Subic and San Felipe were recognized as they bagged the Most Outstanding Local Sanggunian in the 1st-3rd class and 4th-6th class municipalities categories, respectively. The awardees received accolades along with plaques and cash awards. Among the winners were: Iba, Castillejos, and Masinloc which were recognized as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Best Performing Local Sangguniang Bayans, respectively, in the 1st-3rd class municipalities category. Special awards were presented to various sangguniang bayans for their exceptional contributions.
The 13 Sangguniang Bayan were evaluated through the following criteria: responsiveness of the legislative agenda, availability of legislative documents, effectiveness and efficiency of performance of the Sanggunian, legislative citations and awards and capacity development of legislators and staff.
The event was participated in by Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., Assistant Regional Director of DILG Region III, Jay E. Timbreza, CESO V, Vice Governor Jacqueline Rose F. Khonghun, Dr. Arvin Rolly D. Antipolo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and Secretary, Provincial Awards Committee (PAC), DILG Field Officers and Provincial Staff, and Sangguniang Bayan of the thirteen (13) municipalities.
By: LGOO II Paulin Johanne L. Reyes and Engr. II Princess Ivy Coloma
