FOR several years now, I have had the privilege of attending the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards at the Manila Hotel, where I have witnessed the steady rise of Lamitan City as it garners recognition for its commitment to excellence. The SGLG award is the highest accolade an LGU can hope for, and the awards for Lamitan City have become a significant source of pride, not just for me, but for every Lamiteño.
Lamitan’s consistent success in earning the SGLG—an honor conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)—is a testament to the exceptional leadership of its local chief executives, from the late Mayor Rose Furigay, a dear friend of mine, to the current Mayor Oric Furigay.
Mayor Rose Furigay was instrumental in establishing the city’s high standards of governance. I witnessed her dedication to meeting the rigorous requirements of the SGLG—from maintaining cleanliness, posting financial reports for transparency, to installing ramps for persons with disabilities. She was a trailblazer, setting a benchmark not only in Basilan but across the country. She inspired fellow local chief executives to pursue a vision of inclusive and effective governance. Under her leadership, Lamitan made history as the first local government unit in Basilan to earn the prestigious SGLG.
Today, Mayor Oric Furigay continues this tradition of excellence. As one of the key figures behind Lamitan’s cityhood, he has ensured the city’s progress remains on course, while also honoring his late wife’s legacy.
On December 10, 2024, I had the pleasure of once again witnessing Lamitan receive its seventh SGLG award, with Mayor Oric, Vice Mayor Hegem Furigay, and other city officials proudly accepting the accolade. This latest award is the result of the collaborative efforts of the city government and its people.
The success of Lamitan is a collective effort, but the leadership of the Furigay family has been central to it. From Mayor Rose to Mayor Oric, and now with their apparent successor, Vice Mayor Hegem Furigay, poised to continue the legacy, their dedication has shaped Lamitan into what it is today.
For me, each SGLG award ceremony feels like a homecoming. I see the familiar faces of Lamitan’s officials, all acknowledged for their hard work, celebrating not just the award, but the spirit of good governance and community that Lamitan embodies.
