Local government units (LGUs) across Central Luzon were recognized for their outstanding performance in transparent and people-centered infrastructure development during the 2025 SubayBAYANI Awards cum Infrastructure Governance Expo, held at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone on December 10.

Carrying the theme “Celebrating Excellence and Showcasing Impactful Infrastructure Governance,” the event highlighted LGUs that excelled in implementing infrastructure projects anchored on participatory governance, citizen engagement, and transparency.

The Top 9 SubayBAYANI Awards, the highest distinction of the event, honored LGUs for excellence in their Most Significant Change stories and the sustainable impact of their infrastructure initiatives. In the provincial category, the Provincial Government of Bulacan ranked first, followed by Aurora in second place and Bataan in third.

For the municipal category, Hermosa, Bataan clinched the top spot, with Carranglan, Nueva Ecija placing second and Capas, Tarlac ranking third. In the city category, the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija emerged as first placer, followed by the City of Angeles in second and Tarlac City in third.

The awards also recognized Top SubayBAYAN-compliant LGUs, honoring those that demonstrated excellence in utilizing the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) SubayBAYAN infrastructure monitoring platform through timely, accurate, and transparent reporting.

In the municipal category, Bustos, Bulacan led the rankings, followed by Candelaria, Zambales in second place and Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in third. Among cities, Tarlac City topped the list, with the City of Angeles placing second and the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan ranking third. For provincial offices, DILG Zambales secured first place, followed by DILG Aurora and DILG Tarlac. The Best Miniature Model award was conferred on DILG Bulacan.

DILG Office of Project Development Services Director Alfonso Maralli Jr. emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in infrastructure governance, underscoring the importance of open government processes and citizen participation. He noted that true heroism in governance lies in doing what is right and placing public service above self-interest.

Meanwhile, DILG Regional Director Araceli San Jose commended the awardees for proving that good governance is achievable, measurable, and visible, especially amid public concerns over corruption. She described SubayBAYANI awardees as guardians of public resources and champions of transparent and accountable local governance.

The 2025 SubayBAYANI Awards reaffirmed Central Luzon’s commitment to inclusive and transparent development, positioning the region as a model for exemplary infrastructure governance in the country.