Examining the Seal of Good Local Governance Performance of Local Government Units of BARMM, Philippines

Abstract

This study examines the performance then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the current Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) LGUs with the parameters of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in the Philippines, which aimed at enhancing local government accountability and transparency to achieve sustainable development goals, and uphold good governance. This paper then profiles ARMM/BARMM LGUs' compliance from 2011 to 2023 across Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH, Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH), and SGLG criteria, specifically focusing on municipalities in Maguindanao. It also identifies areas where LGUs fall short and examines implications for public accountability. Methodologically, the paper utilizes data such as the Governance Assessment Reports (GARs) from the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the BARMM and the DILG List of Recipients to analyze LGU performance vis-a-vis SGLG criteria. Findings reveal that some local government units have consistently demonstrated commitment  with the SGLG criteria. For these municipalities, persistent non-compliance reflects underlying challenges underscoring the need for strategies to achieve sustainable and effective local governance.