The coastal municipality of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro has been recognized as one of the region’s top-performing local governments, officials announced Monday following an awards ceremony in Manila.

The tourist destination claimed one of 20 honors at the 2025 GaLing MIMAROPA awards, evaluated on its development goals, governance standards and public service delivery.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) regional office conducted the assessment as part of its annual review of local government performance in MIMAROPA provinces, which include Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

Vice Mayor Rocky Ilagan attended the ceremony at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, accompanied by MLGOO Marianne Gulapa and MPDO technical writer Jandhel Sandoval.

Puerto Galera is balancing tourism and growth with environmental protection, reports said.

Mayor Robinhood Ylagan said the municipality remains committed to improving governance and innovation in public services.

The awards program, now in its latest iteration, evaluates compliance with the 1991 Local Government Code and other national mandates while measuring progress toward local development targets.

photos: courtesy of PIO Puerto Galera