Galing Pook traces its beginnings in 1993 when the first Gantimpalang Panglingkod Pook was held. The Awards Program was a joint initiative of the Local Government Academy–Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation, and other individual advocates of good governance from the academe, civil society and the government.

The Asian Institute of Management administered the awards program until 2000. However, the Galing Pook Foundation was formally established as a private awardsgiving body in 1998 to sustain the Awards program.

In its almost two decades of existence, Galing Pook has become a leading resource institution continuously promoting innovation and excellence in local governance. It proactively searches and recognizes best local government practices and facilitates their adoption in more communities in the country.

vision

The leading resource institution that promotes innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment and excellence in local governance

mission

Promote excellence in local governance through recognition, sharing of information and support of efforts to replicate best practices at the local level

Encourage partnership among civil society organizations, private sector, and government agencies at the local, national and global levels to improve the quality of life

goals

Search, select, and recognize outstanding programs of local government units

Help in the capacity building of local government units

Facilitate the replication of winning programs

Act as resource institution on innovative local government programs

values

Primacy of local governance for the promotion of sustainable development

Passion, integrity, competence, transparency and accountability

Willingness to learn and to share learning to others

Premium on innovation

Board of Trustees

Rafael L. Coscolluela
Chairperson

Patricia A. Sto. Tomas
Vice-Chairperson

Austere A. Panadero
Corporate Secretary

Emilia T. Boncodin
Treasurer

Ramon P. Ereñeta, Jr.
Cielito F. Habito
Cecilia L. Lazaro
Emma E. Porio
Victor O. Ramos
Members

Eddie G. Dorotan
Executive Director