The Galing Pook awards is a pioneering program that recognizes innovation and excellence in local governance.

It started in October 21, 1993 under the joint initiative of the Local Government Academy-Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation, and other individual advocates of good governance from the academe, civil society and the government.

More than 280 programs from at least 165 local gov- ernment units have already won recognition, including the current batch of 2014 awardees. The Galing Pook winners are chosen each year from a wide array of programs from local governments after undergoing a rigorous multi-level screening process.

The winning programs are selected based on positive results and impact, promotion of people’s participation and empowerment, innovation, transferability and sustainability, and efficiency of program service delivery.

Vision

We are a leading resource institution that promotes innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment, and excellence in local governance.

Mission

We promote excellence in local governance through recognition, sharing of information and support of efforts to replicate best practices at the local level.

We encourage partnerships among civil society organizations, private sector, and government agencies at local, national and global levels to improve quality of life.