MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Philippines — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) of this city topped the “Gawad Galing Sanggunian” for legislators and councils, adding another feather in its cap as the Provincial Government of Bulacan awarded the recognition at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center the other night.

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado said the conferral of the GGS award aims at motivating local legislators to perform their duties with excellence, honor and dignity.

The event theme for this year was “Panibagong Yugto ng Galing at Talino, Sama-sama, Kayang-Kaya,” the GGS is an annual awarding body of Bulacan government to commend the exemplary performances and achievements of local legislative bodies, including the vice mayors, councilors and secretaries.

“GGS focuses on how local legislators could work hand-in-hand in order to create ordinances that are beneficial to address the demands of our modern society. Truly, Bulakenyos exemplify extraordinary performances in all fields including legislation,” said Alvarado.

Board Member Ariel Arceo, president of the Philippine Councilors League-Bulacan, said they made sure the integrity of the award was religiously safeguarded in each step for the selection and screening process.

“We started with the thorough evaluation to cover all the municipalities and cities in Bulacan. We visited them during their regular sessions and carefully observe how they perform proceedings, and check on their documentation and records-keeping,” said Arceo.

The highest award conferred was the “Natatanging Sangguniang Bayan” and “Natatanging Sangguniang Panlungsod,” which the Malolos City Council won.

A P100,000 prize and a plaque of recognition was given to the winners.

Other prizes included: “Natatanging Tagapangulo ng Hapag,” with a prize of P50,000; “Natatanging Kagawad ng Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod,” given P50,000 each.

The outstanding secretaries or “Natatanging Kalihim ng Sanggunian” took home the prize worth P25,000.

The GGS also launched the Most Outstanding Ordinance of the Year, and other special awards on perfect attendance, most improved session hall, most innovative sanggunian, and the posthumous award, among others.