Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. is at the forefront of a new movement among provincial leaders to strengthen ethical and transparent governance through the emerging alliance Governors for Good Governance (G4GG).
Governor Defensor met online with Romblon Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic and Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Dexter Uy to discuss plans for organizing the group. The meeting was facilitated by Wynona Galvez of the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) Secretariat.
While G4GG is still in the planning stage, the group aims to influence national policies and strengthen collaboration among provinces.
“It is about influencing national policies and sharing of best practices of different provinces,” said Galvez.
Governor Defensor, a Kaya Natin! Champion of Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, emphasized that strong governance begins with strong laws.
He called for the amendment of the Local Government Code, particularly its provisions on provincial governments, noting that outdated policies continue to limit local autonomy.
“Ang mga good governance measures and good governance practices natin doon talaga manggagaling. We can only go as far as the Local Government Code and we are limited by the Local Government Code,” Defensor said.
This advocacy, he added, will be linked with the initiatives of the League of Provinces of the Philippines to empower local governments.
Inspired by M4GG’s core principles — Serve the People First, Fight Corruption, Innovate for Progress, and Strengthen Local Autonomy — G4GG seeks to build a community of reform-oriented governors working together for transparent and people-centered leadership.
By actively leading in the formation of G4GG, Governor Defensor once again positions Iloilo Province as a model for responsive, transparent, and forward-looking governance, contributing to a national movement that seeks to empower local governments and advance meaningful reforms across the country.
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