Each year for the last three years, the League, the association of all cities in the Philippines, gives recognition to exemplary programs and practices of cities. Called the ‘LCP Best Practices Award," this recognition system showcases city projects that work for better service delivery and efficient use of limited resources.

Launched in 2002 under the administration of outgoing LCP President Francis N. Tolentino of Tagaytay City, the League’s award system gives due recognition to cities’ innovative practices on poverty reduction, good governance, urban safety, and anti-corruption. Judging is based on the four general criteria of efficiency and effectiveness, positive socioeconomic and/or environmental impact, transferability and sustainability’ and strong presence of measures to reduce poverty through good urban governance.

Vying for this year’s top best practice plum are Bayawan’s "Food Security Program," Butuan’s "Tuloy Aral, Walang Sagabal," Capalan’s "Bridging Futures Youth Scholarship Program," Ligao’s "Countryside Development Program," Malaybalay’s "Kibalabag Watershed Development Program," Palayan’s "Buklod Barangay," Island Garden City of Samal’s "Sama Cultural Heritage Revival and Enhancement Program," San Fernando, Pampanga’s "Preserving Heritage for Progress," Sorsogon’s "Mauswag na Ciudad Health Services," and Tuguegarao’s "One Barangay, One Livelihood Program"

These top 10 entries were selected during a stiff competition before a National Board of Judges last June 8-9 in Manila. The scores they got will comprise 70 percent of their final rating, while the other 30 percent will come from the score they will receive from the city mayors during the peer judging competition today, July 20.

Tolentino stressed that the ‘LCP Best Practices Award’ would be continued by the incoming LCP Administration to highlight the pivotal role of cities in socio-economic transformation.