Ormoc LGU cited for transparency, accountability

For the second time, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has conferred the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) to the local government unit (LGU) of Ormoc. This was declared by DILG City Director Lucy Ong who said that the distinction is for the year 2014.

Ormoc has been chosen for its compliance to the full disclosure policy of the Commission on Audit (COA) by posting its financial transactions at three conspicuous places in the city. The documents posted include the LGU’s procurement plan, notices of award to winning bidders, utilization of the 20% development fund, etc.

Due to its adherence to strict auditing rules and procedures, no adverse findings was found against the LGU by COA as well. This adherence to transparency and accountability in its financial transactions has earned for Ormoc the Seal of GFH which has corresponding benefits.

As an awardee, Ormoc will have access to the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat program wherein it can construct water impounding facilities. It will also get P38 million worth of anti-poverty related projects to be identified by the LGU coming from the Grassroots Participatory Based Budgeting Process.

Ormoc will also have easy access to government credit considering that the Seal of GFH is now required by banks before releasing loans to LGUs. Ormoc first won the award in 2011 when it was introduced by the late Secretary Jesse Robredo of DILG.