Victorias City in Negros Occidental won the Public Service Campaign Award – City Level at the inaugural “Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko” hosted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Monday, Dec.16.
The city’s winning entry, “Sidlak Victorias: Strengthening Community, Building Opportunity” bested Cebu City and Mati City of Davao Oriental in the highly competitive category, a press release from Victorias City said.
The entry, prepared by the Victorias City Information Office, showcased four transformative projects reflecting the city’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
The featured projects included the Lunsod Lunsad Victorias in Motion, which connects local talent with global animation opportunities through intensive training programs, empowering Victoriasanons to pursue animation careers, and the Regular Free Mass Workout, which promotes health and wellness through accessible weekly fitness sessions held at the Public Plaza and streamed online.
The entry also highlighted the BUWIS Taxpayer Education Program, which simplifies tax compliance by providing clear guidance on tax processes and introduces digital payment options, fostering a responsible tax-paying culture through barangay-to-barangay educational forums.
It also featured the LCR Mobile Registration, which ensures free birth registration for marginalized communities by reaching residents through house-to-house visits and barangay-based initiatives to provide essential civil documentation services.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who received the award, emphasized the city’s dedication to fostering informed communities and combating disinformation.
The event not only celebrated exemplary communication efforts but also highlighted outstanding government programs and projects that emphasized innovation, media partnerships, and community outreach, the press release said.
By showcasing best practices, the program encouraged collaboration among agencies to enhance public awareness and engagement with government initiatives, it said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his keynote address, underscored the importance of effective communication in building trust between the government and its people.
“The campaigns, messages, and voices we celebrate tonight remind us of the power of leadership when there is a connection with the people,” he said.
“While these awards honor your achievements, they also set the standards for leadership that promote public awareness and empower civic participation,” he added.
The recognition underscores Victorias City’s role as a model for effective public communication and governance, the press release said.*