Calapan City, along with Iriga City in Camarines Sur province, is chosen as a leading city in the Transparency and Accountable Governance Program.

The program, launched in six cities in Luzon and Visayas by the Asia Foundation and the British Embassy, aims to weed out corruption through transparency and new approaches to local governance.

Calapan was chosen as one of the two most transparent and accountable city governments for its programs like the Real Property Tax Assessment Computerization, Aksyon Agad People’s Agenda and the city’s entry into the ISO Certification Program, said Project Development Officer I Joselito Bautista.

The selection process was made through a vote by all the cities participating in the program.

Bautista said program participants were impressed by the reforms being implemented in Calapan City by Mayor Doy Leachon.

The recognition was made during simple rites in Makati City recently attended by Dr. Steve Rood, Country Representative of Asia Foundation; Mr. Chris Wright, Second Secretary ng British Embassy; Hon. Alfonso Casurra, League of Cities Executive Vice President; City Councilor Joey Leynes and the employees of the City Planning and Development Department headed by former chief Darwinio C. Villarosa.