TACLOBAN CITY — Nearly all local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have earned the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) 2025 Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) distinction, highlighting the region’s continued gains in fiscal accountability, transparency, and responsible governance.
A total of 147 LGUs in the region received the recognition this year, surpassing the 134 awardees recorded in 2024, according to the DILG regional office.
The awardees include all six provinces, all seven cities, and 134 of the region’s 136 municipalities that successfully met the requirements of the annual assessment.
Only the municipalities of Giporlos in Eastern Samar and Pagsanghan in Samar failed to secure the distinction.
The GFH recognition is granted to LGUs that demonstrate sound financial management and compliance with transparency standards set by the national government.
To qualify, an LGU must obtain either an Unmodified or Qualified audit opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) based on its latest Annual Audit Report. It must also fully comply with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), which requires the timely and complete public posting of key financial documents through designated bulletin boards and the FDP Portal.
Since its launch in 2010, the GFH assessment has served as one of DILG’s key governance performance indicators, measuring how effectively local governments manage public funds and uphold fiscal transparency.
The recognition is considered a benchmark of good governance as it affirms an LGU’s adherence to national standards on accountability, financial stewardship, and public disclosure.
Apart from strengthening public trust, the distinction also serves as a prerequisite for access to various national government incentives, grants, and performance-based programs.
The DILG regional office said the results reflect the collective commitment of local governments in Eastern Visayas to responsible governance and prudent management of public resources.
Among the cities recognized was Tacloban City, which maintained its status as a GFH passer for 2025.
Mayor Alfred Romualdez said the recognition affirms the city government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“This recognition reflects the city government’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public resources. It demonstrates our dedication to protecting and properly managing government assets, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that every program, project, and investment contributes to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Tacloban,” Romualdez said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the provinces of Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and Leyte achieved 100-percent compliance, with all their component municipalities receiving the GFH distinction.
With only two municipalities falling short of the requirements, Eastern Visayas posted one of its strongest performances in recent years, underscoring the region’s progress in promoting fiscal discipline, transparency, and effective local governance.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
