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Barangays Shine As Marcos Celebrates Grassroots Heroes At Galing Pook Awards
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. put the spotlight on the country’s barangays on Wednesday as he honored this year’s standout community programs during the 2025 Galing Pook Awards held in Malacañan Palace.
Speaking to the awardees, the President emphasized that real, on-the-ground service begins where people live.
“We’re gathered today to recognize ten outstanding barangay programs… Service closest to the people starts in the barangay. This is where citizens first feel the government’s care,” he said.
Marcos praised the winners for their creativity, dedication, and perseverance despite the challenges they face daily. He said their efforts prove that good governance is possible when goals are clear and leaders act with integrity.
“When government processes are clear, people’s trust grows. When there is accountability, respect follows. And when we put the welfare of the people first, development naturally comes,” he added.
This year’s winners offered a diverse set of solutions to real problems—from education and disaster preparedness to sustainability and community justice. Among them were:
• Barangay 57 Dap-dap, Legazpi City – Revitalization of the Macabalo River
• Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City – BUSkwela program to help out-of-school youth return to class
• Barangay Blue Ridge B, Quezon City – Street Camps program for earthquake readiness
• Barangay General Malvar, Santiago City – Solar-power revolution initiative
Also recognized were:
• Urban gardens and “palit-bote-para-sa-tinapay” project of Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong
• Community participation through the clearance-with-a-checklist system of Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City
• Community justice garden of Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City
• Sign language training in Barangay Tagas, Tabaco City
• Dungog Kariton conflict resolution project of Barangay Poblacion, South Cotabato
• Tripa de Gallina rehabilitation led by Barangay San Isidro, Makati City
Each awardee brought home a Galing Pook Marker and a ₱300,000 cash prize from the DILG–Local Government Academy.
While the programs may differ, Marcos said they all share one message: real change happens when leaders listen to what the people truly need.
He encouraged other barangays nationwide to learn from and replicate these winning initiatives, saying strong and transparent local governance is key to progress.
The President also thanked the Galing Pook Foundation for more than 30 years of championing good governance and urged all awardees to continue serving with passion and purpose.
“Never forget that change and progress begin with small steps—and grow stronger when we move together,” he reminded the audience.
Speaking to the awardees, the President emphasized that real, on-the-ground service begins where people live.
“We’re gathered today to recognize ten outstanding barangay programs… Service closest to the people starts in the barangay. This is where citizens first feel the government’s care,” he said.
Marcos praised the winners for their creativity, dedication, and perseverance despite the challenges they face daily. He said their efforts prove that good governance is possible when goals are clear and leaders act with integrity.
“When government processes are clear, people’s trust grows. When there is accountability, respect follows. And when we put the welfare of the people first, development naturally comes,” he added.
This year’s winners offered a diverse set of solutions to real problems—from education and disaster preparedness to sustainability and community justice. Among them were:
• Barangay 57 Dap-dap, Legazpi City – Revitalization of the Macabalo River
• Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City – BUSkwela program to help out-of-school youth return to class
• Barangay Blue Ridge B, Quezon City – Street Camps program for earthquake readiness
• Barangay General Malvar, Santiago City – Solar-power revolution initiative
Also recognized were:
• Urban gardens and “palit-bote-para-sa-tinapay” project of Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong
• Community participation through the clearance-with-a-checklist system of Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City
• Community justice garden of Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City
• Sign language training in Barangay Tagas, Tabaco City
• Dungog Kariton conflict resolution project of Barangay Poblacion, South Cotabato
• Tripa de Gallina rehabilitation led by Barangay San Isidro, Makati City
Each awardee brought home a Galing Pook Marker and a ₱300,000 cash prize from the DILG–Local Government Academy.
While the programs may differ, Marcos said they all share one message: real change happens when leaders listen to what the people truly need.
He encouraged other barangays nationwide to learn from and replicate these winning initiatives, saying strong and transparent local governance is key to progress.
The President also thanked the Galing Pook Foundation for more than 30 years of championing good governance and urged all awardees to continue serving with passion and purpose.
“Never forget that change and progress begin with small steps—and grow stronger when we move together,” he reminded the audience.
Dec 3, 2025
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