Governor Ramil Hernandez
STA. CRUZ, Laguna – The province of Laguna, the birthplace of the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, has seen remarkable progress and recognition under the leadership of Governor Ramil Hernandez.
Through his “Serbisyong Tama” platform, Laguna has garnered praise for its service-oriented governance and integrity, resulting in significant improvements across various sectors.
On August 23, 2024, Laguna was named the 2nd Most Competitive Province in the country by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during a ceremony at the Manila Hotel. This prestigious recognition was based on the province’s performance in five key areas: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, and Innovation.
According to the DTI, provincial rankings are determined through a weighted average of scores from cities and municipalities within the province, factoring in population and income. This recognition highlights Laguna’s impressive advancements in economic development and governance efficiency.
In addition to the DTI accolade, Laguna was honored earlier this year by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during its 73rd anniversary celebration in Batangas City. The province was named the Most Active Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and received the 2023 Good Practice Award, underscoring its commitment to serving underserved communities.
The DSWD praised Laguna for its effective implementation of programs like the Serbisyong Tama Health Card, also known as the Blue Card Program, which has significantly improved healthcare access for residents.
A statement from the DSWD read:
“Ginawaran ang Lalawigan ng Laguna ng nasabing mga parangal dahil sa agresibong pagpapatupad ng mga programang nakikinabang ang mga hindi nasusustentuhang sektor, at sa mabisang pagganap ng Serbisyong Tama Health Card o Blue Card Program, kung saan ang Laguna ay naging regional winner.”
Laguna’s commitment to development was further recognized on July 10, 2024, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored the province during the 2024 Presidential Awards Ceremony for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Laguna was named Outstanding Development Partner for Southern Luzon in the category of Improving Access to Markets.
Governor Hernandez’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming Laguna into one of the country’s most progressive provinces. In December 2023, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded Laguna the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). The province was the only one in the CALABARZON region to receive this prestigious honor, a testament to its transparency, integrity, and high service standards.
The DILG remarked:
“Ang paggawad ng SGLG Award sa Laguna ay sumasagisag sa lalawigan sa paglalakbay nito tungo sa mabuting pamamahala sa lokal na pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagtangkilik sa mga pamantayan ng transparency, integridad, at mahusay na serbisyong pampubliko.”
Governor Hernandez’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming Laguna into a model of progress. Focused on public service, transparency, and sustainable development, the province continues to thrive and serve as an example for others to follow.
As Laguna advances, it remains committed to the core values that have driven its success: service with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. Under the banner of Serbisyong Tama, Laguna’s future looks brighter than ever.
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