SP Olongapo Receives National Finalist Distinction Anew at the 2026 Local Legislative Awards
PASAY CITY - For the second time in a row, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Olongapo was recognized as a National Finalist for the Highly Urbanized City Category of the Local Legislative Award, presented during the 2026 Philippine Councilors League National Congress held last March 5 at the World Trade Center.
The recognition was earned under the leadership of former City Vice Mayor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr., working alongside a dedicated bench of former and current legislators. Present to receive the award was the full membership of the current Sangguniang Panlungsod, led by City Vice Mayor Kaye Ann S. Legaspi.
The award honors the collective contributions of:
· Former Officials: Vice Mayor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.; Councilors Jerome Michael S. Bacay, Sarah Lugerna F. Lipumano-Garcia, Gina S. Gulanes-Perez, and Rodel S. Cerezo; LnB President Randy C. Sionzon, SK Federation President Rodman A. Barroga, and IPMR Nestorio D. Pablo.
· Current Officials: Vice Mayor Kaye Ann S. Legaspi; Councilors Cristabelle Marie C. Paulino, Jamiel Jules K. Escalona, Ermelando N. Anonat, Rodolfo S. Catologan, Vicente H. Magsaysay II; LnB President Priscilla B. Ponge, SK Federation President Yzyra Marie E. Hernandez, and IPMR Barry B. Esteban.
The City of Olongapo joined the roster of other outstanding highly urbanized cities, including City of Mandaluyong (National Winner), Quezon City (Hall of Fame Awardee), City of Makati, City of Valenzuela, Zamboanga City, Cagayan De Oro City, Davao City, General Santos City, Lucena City, Puerto Princesa City, Iloilo City, Mandaue City (Top 2), Bacolod City, and Butuan City.
In a Facebook post, Vice Mayor Legaspi congratulated former Vice Mayor Cortez, city councilors, and the Secretariat headed by Secretary to the Sanggunian Mildred C. Monje for this achievement.
Launched in 2006 by the Philippine Councilors League and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Local Legislative award recognizes the accomplishments in local legislation towards the attainment of desirable socio-economic and environmental management outcomes. The City of Olongapo has received the National Finalist distinction twice, the first one conferred in 2023 for the Legislative Term 2019-2022.
