GANDO News Update

Delegation from the Province of Guimaras snatched four out of five Special Awards at the closing ceremony of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2025 in the province of Antique on March 7, 2025.

These include: Best in Uniform, Best in Saludo, Most Festive Delegation, and Mos Disciplined Delegation.

Guimaras' Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) was rated "High Performing" on the Peace and Order Council Performance Audit for calendar year 2023 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Aside from the PPOC, the peace and order councils of the province's five municipalities - Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag also got a "High Performing" rating on the said assessment.

GUIMARAS MOVES UP IN INCOME CLASSIFICATION

The Province of Guimaras moved up the income classification scale, from fourth class to second class province, effective January 1, 2025. The upgrade in income classification is expected to pave the way for more development projects and programs, financial grants and other forms of assistance for Guimaras as well as adjustment of compensation for local government personnel.

GUIMARAS MOVES UP IN INCOME CLASSIFICATION

The Province of Guimaras moved up the income classification scale, from fourth class to second class province, effective January 1, 2025. The upgrade in income classification is expected to pave the way for more development projects and programs, financial grants and other forms of assistance for Guimaras as well as adjustment of compensation for local government personnel.

Guimaras attained a remarkable rise in the annual regular income for fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023, the required fiscal years prior to a general income reclassification, as can be seen from the figures below:

2021 – Php 936,193,913.59
2022 – Php 1,258,768,102.50
2023 – Php 1,130,045,591.91

With an average annual regular income of Php 1,108,335,869.33, Guimaras Province secured the second-class status in income classification. The Department of Finance (DOF) classifies as second-class provinces those which garnered an average annual regular income of Php 900,000,000.00 or more, but less than Php 1,500,000,000.00.

Based on DOF Department Order No. 074-2024 dated December 9, 2024, which establishes the rules and guidelines on the automatic income classification of provinces, cities and municipalities pursuant to Republic Act No. 11964 or the Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units (LGUs), the income classification for provinces is as follows:

First Class – One billion five hundred million pesos (P1,500,000,000.00) or more;

Second Class – Nine hundred million pesos (P900,000,000.00) or more, but less than One billion five hundred million pesos (P1,500,000,000.00);

Third Class – Seven hundred million pesos (P700,000,000.00) or more, but less than Nine hundred million pesos (P900,000,000.00);

Fourth Class – Five hundred million pesos (P500,000,000.00) or more, but less than Seven hundred million pesos (P700,000,000.00);

Fifth Class – Less than Five hundred million pesos (P500,000,000.00)

Meanwhile, the income classification of the five municipalities in the province was also upgraded, with the Municipality of Buenavista attaining first-class status. The municipalities of Jordan and Nueva Valencia moved up from third-class to second-class category. The Municipality of San Lorenzo advanced to third-class category from fifth-class municipality and the Municipality of Sibunag from fourth class to third-class category.

Mabuhay ang Guimaras!

GUIMARAS: THE 8TH FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The island province of Guimaras has achieved a significant economic milestone, ranking as the eighth fastest-growing economy among the 82 provinces in the Philippines, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on November 26, 2024.

Impressive Economic Growth

In 2023, Guimaras recorded a 7.9 percent increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), elevating the province's GDP from ₱16.14 billion in 2022 to ₱17.42 billion in 2023. This growth translates to an addition of approximately ₱1.28 billion to the province's economy.

This achievement is particularly impressive considering that Guimaras is a small island province with a predominantly agricultural economy. Its sustained economic growth highlights the province’s ability to diversify its industries and attract investments despite geographical limitations.

Key Drivers of Growth

The robust economic performance of Guimaras is primarily attributed to the services sector, which contributed 55.2 percent to the total provincial GDP. Notably, the services industry experienced a 12.4 percent growth, marking the fastest expansion in this sector among all provinces and highly urbanized cities in Western Visayas.

Other sectors also played vital roles:

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF) accounted for 29 percent of the GDP.

Industry contributed 15.8 percent to the provincial economy.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Prospects

Governor Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava expressed optimism about the province's economic trajectory, emphasizing ongoing efforts to bolster the agriculture sector, which experienced a slight decline of 0.7 percent. He highlighted the anticipated completion of a significant irrigation project aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, the proposed Panay-Guimaras bridge is expected to further stimulate economic activities by improving connectivity and positioning Guimaras as a potential logistics hub.

“We’re very much confident that in proper time, properly nurtured, Guimaras has the potential for its more or less 200,000 constituency. I am so thankful that we are always fed with the good data, collected and put into a significant perspective. This is the only way that we can come up with good decisions and intensions," Governor Nava said.

LOOK:

CDR Richard D Gura, Acting Commander of CGS-Iloilo, and LCDR Gemlan F Lanusga, Commander, CGS-Guimaras, face the members of the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan under the leadership of Vice Governor Atty. John Edward G. GANDO, during the latter’s 130th Regular Session on January 28, 2025, in connection with the Sea Travel Advisory dated January 23, 2025.

The said advisory announced the temporary suspension of Guimaras-Iloilo trips via Parola Wharf on January 24, 2025, in connection with the Dinagyang Festival Fluvial Parade, and was issued absent prior consultation with the Province of Guimaras.

GUIMARAS' BACK-TO-BACK SGLG AWARD: A TESTAMENT TO GOOD GOVERNANCE

The Province of Guimaras has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), underscores the province's unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability in public service.

A Testament to Good Governance

In December 9, 2024, Guimaras was honored as one of the 41 provinces nationwide to receive the SGLG, marking its second consecutive win. Governor JC Rahman A. Nava, MD accepted the award during a ceremony at the Manila Hotel, accompanied by DILG-Guimaras Provincial Director Roselyn B. Quintana, CESO V, and Congresswoman Ma. Lucille L. Nava, MD. The Municipality of Nueva Valencia also earned the SGLG distinction, with Mayor Paul Vincent De La Cruz accepting the award.

The SGLG is the highest accolade conferred on local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines, recognizing excellence in core performance areas: Financial Administration and Sustainability, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection and Sensitivity, Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Safety, Peace and Order; Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness; Environmental Management; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts; Sustainable Education; and Youth Development.

Investing in Public Safety

Demonstrating a commitment to utilizing the incentives associated with the SGLG award, the Provincial Government of Guimaras inaugurated and blessed three new rescue vehicles on October 15, 2024. Funded by the Php 4 million prize from the 2023 SGLG, with an additional Php 600,000 from the Provincial Government, these vehicles significantly enhance the province’s disaster response capabilities. Vice Governor John Edward G. Gando emphasized that the vehicles symbolize the province’s dedication to excellence and good governance.

A Culture of Excellence

Governor Nava attributes these consecutive achievements to the collective efforts of provincial officials, employees, and partner agencies. He emphasizes that the recognition is not merely an award but a reflection of the province's day-to-day commitment to good governance practices. The back-to-back SGLG awards serve as a testament to Guimaras' dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, transparency, and accountability.

He extended his appreciation to partner agencies and stakeholders particularly the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which was instrumental for Guimaras to achieve the coveted seal. He added that the award is the output of the cooperation of the officials and employees of the Provincial Government. More than the award, the Governor said that the practices that fueled the Provincial Government to achieve the SGLG seal, will be part of the daily activities of the officials and employees of PGG.

“Thank you for doing your share in achieving SGLG for the Province of Guimaras. I believe nga it will never be just a matter of receiving SGLG but we are looking forward that these practices will be part of our day-to-day life, part of our day-to-day activities. So, unay na sa Provincial Government ang tanan nga system kag ina ya paaman na lang gid ang SGLG," Governor Nava said.