Santa Marcela LGU awarded as Regional Finalist for DILG’s Local Legislative Award 2025

The Municipality of Santa Marcela, Apayao, headed by Mayor Evelyn Martinez and Vice Mayor Rolly Guiang, has been recognized as a Regional Finalist in the 2025 Local Legislative Award (LLA) under the 4th to 6th Class Municipality Category, securing 2nd place in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

“Maysa manen nga pammaneknek iti panagserbi tayo iti kakailian tayo… Santa Marcela once again proves its dedication to public service as it secures a place among the regional finalists. Congratulations to all the members of the Municipal Council,” said Martinez.

Mayor Martinez also encouraged the legislative body to keep doing a good job as she commended them for the achievement.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Rolly U. Guiang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Santa Marcela for their trust. He also acknowledged his fellow council members for their hard work and commitment to public service.

The recognition, announced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government–Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) through a Bureau of Local Government Supervision memorandum dated November 13, 2025, highlights the Sangguniang Bayan’s efforts in crafting responsive, well-crafted local laws that foster community development and good governance.

Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III, submitted the region’s top three finalists per category following rigorous evaluations at the provincial and regional levels. Covering the assessment period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025, the LLA— a joint initiative of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and DILG—recognizes Sanggunians that excel in evidence-based legislation, complete and accessible records, transparent processes, and innovative measures supporting socio-economic growth, environmental management, and good governance.

Santa Marcela joins Hungduan, Ifugao (Rank 1) and Bokod, Benguet (Rank 3) as the top three finalists in their category. All regional finalists will be endorsed to the PCL and the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines for national-level validation.

DILG-CAR reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local legislative capacity across the region, emphasizing that the award reflects Santa Marcela’s continued dedication to serving its residents through effective, responsive legislation.

The LLA is a prestigious honor for city and municipal councils, with evaluation criteria focusing on ordinance effectiveness, responsiveness to community needs, transparency, and innovation in governance.