DILG Cebu City has snatched the most coveted Bugkos ng Bayan Award during the Capacity Development Awards for Catalysts of Excellence (CapDev ACE) awarding ceremony tonight.

Bugkos ng Bayan (Most Outstanding Provincial, Cluster or Highly Urbanized City) is conferred to a team that has contributed significantly to improving the DILG services extended to local governments. They have demonstrated exceptional service of an altruistic nature by offering the Department clientele their services beyond their personal, social and cultural needs.

They have developed innovative systems and processes that enhance the local governance experience in a significant way.

The Cebu City field office bested other finalists across the country, recording its first-ever win in CapDev ACE.Last year, DILG Cebu City was named as finalist for Bugkos ng Bayan. DILG Cebu City was under the leadership of its director Atty. Ian Kenneth B. Lucero during the last two assessment periods (2020 and 2021).

In his acceptance speech, Lucero expressed their utmost gratitude to DILG-7 Regional Director Leocadio T. Trovela for his undying trust and support, and Assistant Regional Director Loisella Lucino.

“Indeed, when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen. And the time has finally come for DILG Cebu City. Hence, all our praises to you God our Father for this recognition,” Lucero said.

He also thanked the Cebu City Government under the administration of the late Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella and incumbent Mayor Michael Rama, Liga ng mga Barangay Cebu City Chapter, all 80 punong barangay and barangay officials, and their partners from the government and non-government organizations, for helping them out.

He also underscored the dedication and synergy of the hardworking Barangay Local Government Operations Officers and administrative staff of DILG Cebu City, particularly those serving under the assessment year 2021, namely: LGOO VI Maria Lourdes Boone, LGOO VI Socorro Dorina Salas, LGOO VI Clyde Ebojo, LGOO V Marven M. Ecarma, LGOO V Emmanuel Petralba, LGOO III Jedaia B. Balugo, LGOO II Adel Diminique P. Gujilde, LGOO II Cresencio Antolin Aseniero, Admin Aide IV Inocentes Cabo Jr., JO Junydy Rodela, and driver Jeffrey Abella.

“And to the new DILG Cebu City team headed by OIC Neila Aquino thank you for sustaining what we have started, I am confident that you will continue to work hard and bring honor to our department,” he said.

“Finally, may we continue to champion local governance excellence by living up to our trademark of boundless quality public service, irrespective of the circumstances at hand, may there be a pandemic and even a super typhoon or not, quality public service has no end,” he added.

CapDev ACE recognizes DILG employees and Local Government Regional Resource Centers that have displayed outstanding performance in the delivery of programs, projects, and activities. It honors exceptional contributions of people and teams, creating a positive effect on fellow employees, the organization, and the community.