The Province of Bohol and 35 of its local government units (LGUs) have passed the Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) standards set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the year 2023.

The DILG released the list of GFH passers on Saturday, February 3, 2024, which included the province, the City of Tagbilaran, and 35 municipalities.

The GFH, formerly known as the Seal of Good Housekeeping, is a measure of the LGUs’ compliance with accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations. It also reflects the LGUs’ transparency and accountability in the use and management of public funds.

Among the requirements for GFH are the compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy of Local Budget and Finances, Bids and Public Offerings, such as the Annual Budget, Statement of Receipts and Expenditures, Annual Procurement Plan or Procurement List, and Bid Results on Civil Works, Goods and Services and Consulting Services.

Passing the GFH is also one of the criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which is a comprehensive assessment of the LGUs’ performance in various areas, such as disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order, business-friendliness, environmental management, and tourism, culture and arts.

In addition, GFH passers are eligible for the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), which is a financial incentive given by the DILG to LGUs that can be used for socio-economic development and infrastructure projects.

The 35 municipalities that passed the GFH are Alicia, Antequera, Balilihan, Batuan, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Calape, Candijay, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Dagohoy, Danao, Dauis, Duero, Guindulman, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Pilar, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Sagbayan, San Isidro, San Miguel, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones, Sikatuna, Talibon, Tubigon, Ubay, and Valencia.