TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) has recognized the city government of Borongan as one of the top 10 performing cities in the Philippines for its outstanding fiscal utilization in 2024, citing its transparency, fiscal discipline, and efficient use of public funds.
The recognition, based on the Total Current Operating Expenditures (TCOE) per capita for fiscal year 2024, highlights Borongan’s excellence in managing local finances to deliver effective public services.
In a letter to Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, BLGF Regional Director Geriebeth Dela Torre commended the city government’s “strong commitment to efficient fiscal management and prudent utilization of resources.”
“This recognition reflects the city’s strong commitment to efficient fiscal management and prudent utilization of resources in delivering quality public services. Your leadership and dedication to fiscal transparency and accountability continue to set a standard of excellence in local governance,” Dela Torre said.
The citation followed a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the BLGF, which assessed how local government units (LGUs) across the country allocate and manage financial resources to promote transparency, accountability, and service efficiency.
Borongan stood out as the only city awardee from the region, underscoring its reputation as a model for sound fiscal governance and public accountability in Eastern Visayas.
According to city records, 28.68 percent of Borongan’s total annual budget is devoted to social services, reflecting its people-centered approach to governance. Among the city’s flagship programs are:
Libre Medisina, which provides free medicines to residents; Libre Sakay, offering free rides to vulnerable sectors; Dukwag Agrikultura, an interest- and collateral-free loan program for farmers and fisherfolk; and Direkta Ayuda, which grants monthly financial allowances to senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students.
These programs have been institutionalized to ensure continuity and sustainability regardless of changes in local leadership.
Borongan City’s recognition by the BLGF affirms its ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with inclusive governance—an achievement that local officials say reflects their vision of a government that is both financially disciplined and socially responsive.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
