President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Ceremonial Hall inside Malacañan Palace on December 4, 2024. Santi San Juan, PPA pool
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday recognized 10 barangays for their initiatives that have “strengthened local governance, uplifted communities and demonstrated people-centered leadership,” saying that these projects help fortify the public’s trust in government and respect in society.
The winners of the Galing Pook Awards 2025 are as follows:
1. SAMACA: Save Macabalo River Campaign (Barangay 57 Dap-dap, Legazpi City, Albay)
2. Balulang BUSkwela: Driving Child Development through Provision, Protection and Participation (Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City)
3. The Big One: A Clustered Street Camp Evacuation Approach (Barangay Blue Ridge B, Quezon City)
4. Barangay Daang Bakal Fights Hunger, Poverty and Climate Change with Unity and Passion (Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City)
5. Solar Power Revolution Program: Malvar’s CCAM Model for a Resilient and Sustainable Community (Barangay General Malvar, Santiago City)
6. Purok Clearance (Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City)
7. Community Justice System in a Garden: Planting Peace in Every Step for Balon Pantal (Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City)
8. Dungog Kariton (Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato)
9. Tripa de Gallina Reborn: Restoring Hope and Community Life (Barangay San Isidro, Makati City)
10. BIGCAPS+ : Barangay Innovative Governance for Community Assistance, Peace and Security (Barangay Tagas, Tabaco City, Albay)
“Pinatunayan ninyo na posible naman ang mahusay na pamamahala kapag malinaw ang proyekto at tapat ang proseso sa pagtutupad nito,” Marcos Jr. said in his speech during the awarding ceremony in Malacañang.
“Kapag tinutugunan natin ang pangangailangan ng bawat tao, nagdudulot ito ng magandang pagbabago,” he said.
Marcos Jr. then urged national agencies to scale up these barangay projects and bring them to the national level.
“Ipinakita rin ng ganitong parangal na ang tapat at maayos na pamamahala ay hindi lang nasa kamay ng national government, nagsisimula ito sa pangunahing unit ng pamahalaan: ang barangay,” he said.
“Let us strive to continue to replicate the success of these barangay initiatives on a national scale, learning what works, strengthening the systems that uphold efficiency and transparency in government.”
Aside from the distinction and recognition from the Philippines’ seat of power, there was no mention of whether Galing Pook winners will also be entitled to monetary prizes and other incentives.