Good Fiscal Governance

The Commission on Audit (COA) has rendered an Unqualified (Unmodified) Opinion on the Financial Statements of the City of Ilagan — the highest audit rating an LGU can receive. This confirms that the city’s financial position, operations, and cash flows are presented fairly, accurately, and in full accordance with government accounting standards.

This milestone reflects the City Government’s strong dedication to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial stewardship. It stands as a testament to the effective and visionary leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, whose governance is anchored on integrity, discipline, and the efficient use of public resources.

Over the years, Ilagan has demonstrated a remarkable fiscal transformation. Data from 2012 to 2023 shows the city’s extraordinary rise — from being one of the country’s poorest cities at the time of its cityhood to becoming one of the richest cities in the Philippines in terms of total assets. This success stems from:

  • Continued economic expansion

  • Strategic and responsible financial management

  • Sustained investments in infrastructure, health, education, and social services

  • A leadership that champions innovation, development, and digital governance

Total Assets from 2012 to 2023 Available Data

Source: https://www.coa.gov.ph/reports/annual-audit-reports/aar-local-government-units/

In summary, Ilagan’s journey from fiscal vulnerability to financial strength is the result of sound policies, credible governance, and a long-term vision — all driven by the steadfast leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz..

PHALGA EXCELLENCE AWARD

The City of Ilagan proudly stands as the only city in Region II to receive the distinguished PHALGA Excellence Award, a recognition given to LGUs granted an Unmodified Opinion by the Commission on Audit (COA) for their FY 2023 Financial Statement.

The award was conferred during the 20th Annual National Conference of the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants (PHALGA) held at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City — a gathering of the country’s top accounting professionals and fiscal managers.

This national honor is a powerful affirmation of Ilagan’s sound fiscal discipline, transparent public spending, and unwavering commitment to good governance under the effective and visionary leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz. It reflects the city’s continuing dedication to ensuring that public resources are managed with excellence, accountability, and integrity.

BLGF NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The City of Ilagan has been honored by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) as one of the Top Five LGUs in the Philippines for Total Expenditures Per Capita. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Ilagan City is the only LGU outside Metro Manila included in the Top 5 — with the other awardees coming from highly urbanized cities in the National Capital Region.

This distinction highlights Ilagan’s exceptional efficiency in ensuring that public funds are used wisely, strategically, and with maximum impact for the benefit of all Ilagueños. It affirms that effective financial management is not exclusive to large, highly urbanized cities — Ilagan proves that discipline, planning, and integrity can deliver outstanding results anywhere in the country.

This recognition further demonstrates that Ilagan’s governance is not only transparent and compliant — it is efficient, forward-looking, and deeply people-centered. Through responsible fiscal management and the visionary leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, the city continues to set a national benchmark in the effective utilization of government resources, standing proudly alongside major metropolitan LGUs.

DILG SUBAYBAYANI 2025 AWARD FOR TRANSPARENCY

On November 27, the City of Ilagan was named among the Top 10 LGUs nationwide for Transparency in Good Governance under the DILG Subaybayani 2025 Awards.

The award was presented by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., placing Ilagan alongside exemplary LGUs such as Pasig City, Victorias City, Science City of Muñoz, and Bulacan, among others.

This honor is a strong affirmation of Ilagan’s commitment to open governance, data-driven decision-making, and public accountability. It highlights the city’s dedication to upholding transparency as a core pillar of good governance — a commitment consistently embodied through the leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz.