The city was evaluated in different areas based on the DILG’s 10 pillars of governance namely: Financial Administration & Sustainability; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection & Sensitivity; Safety, Peace and Order; Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Sustainable Education; Business Friendliness & Competitiveness; Environmental Management; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and the Arts; and Youth Development.

At least three DILG evaluators from Mindanao headed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) – Ministry of the Interior and Local Govt (MILG) Local Govt Supervision Division Chief Johaina Abdullah examined the key areas of the city by checking documents, interviewing Dep’t. heads & focal persons, and validating specific sites including the eco-center, evacuation centers, and the CDRRM Operation Center among others.

The other two validators were Acmilah Langco- LGOO, Regional Focal Person of Child Friendly Local Governance Audit, and Shirlyn Pananguilan-MLGOO- Datu Anggal Midtimbang Municipality, Maguindanao.
Abdullah commended the city for having won the SGLG for 5 years, for being ready, and achieving all the needed requirements that made their validation easier.

She also lauded the CDRRM Operation Center for its modern equipment, especially the advanced CCTV monitoring network. “So far, what I have seen is second to Davao City’s CCTV system”, she said.

On the other hand, City Mayor Renato Y. Gustilo welcomed the said DILG representatives and thanked everybody concerned in the said activity, especially the Dep’t. heads who according to him worked hard to provide the necessary service the people needed.

“Whatever credit the city gets, it does not only belongs to me but the Dep’t. heads and hardworking employees. I am just a city mayor whose term is limited but you (gov’t employees) will continue to work for the people. So, I have great confidence that with your dedication and hard work, you will sustain good governance”, Gustilo said.

The whole day activity facilitated by the City Planning & Development Coordinator’s Office headed by Engr. Magnolia B. Antonio was the final validation of the city for the national seal after the regional evaluation conducted by the DILG last April, 2022.