Governor Luis Raymund "Lray" Villafuerte Jr. and the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur earned multiple distinctions during the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Camarines Sur's Isarog Luminary Awards, held on June 15, 2026, at the Digital Transformation Center, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The awards ceremony recognizes outstanding local government units, individuals, and partners for exemplary performance and unwavering dedication to public service across the province.

Governor Villafuerte received the prestigious "Tanglaw ng Pamumuno" distinction — an award that honors leaders who serve as a guiding light in governance, demonstrating integrity, decisiveness, people-centered leadership, and a clear vision toward shared goals and sustainable development. The recognition affirms the governor's longstanding commitment to transformative governance and responsive leadership that continues to drive progress across Camarines Sur.

"It is a big honor to stand before you today — hindi lang bilang gobernador ng probinsya ng Camarines Sur, kung hindi bilang kasama po ninyo — a fellow public servant na naniniwala na ang tunay na pamamahala ay sinusukat hindi sa salita, kung hindi sa aksyon," Governor Villafuerte said during his acceptance speech.

The governor emphasized that the recognition is not his alone — it belongs to every Camarinense who trusts and believes, and to every public servant quietly serving without expectation of applause.

The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur likewise earned three separate awards, underscoring its broad and consistent excellence across multiple areas of governance:

• Gawad Huwarang Pamamahala — awarded to local government units that demonstrate excellence in governance, accountability, and inclusive development, going beyond the basic standards of public service.
• Gawad Sagisag-Ugnayan — recognizing the Provincial Government's innovative initiatives and programs that create meaningful, positive impact on communities, embodying the values of ISAROG through dedication and effective service delivery.
• Parangal Sagip-Diwa — honoring the Provincial Government's strong commitment, through its Local Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT-VAWC), to protecting the dignity, rights, and welfare of women, children, and other vulnerable sectors.

Two department heads and one focal person of the Provincial Government also received individual recognition through the "Tala ng Serbisyo" award: Lucena Bermeo, department head of the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO); Leah Yamson, department head of the Provincial Budget Office (PBO); and Marilyn Niebres, focal person of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

"Ang [Mt.] Isarog ay matatag, nakatayo, binabantayan ang buong Kabikolan. Ganoon din dapat ang ating pamamahala — hindi natitinag, may direksyon, at laging nakaharap sa taong bayan," the governor added, drawing a parallel between the province's steadfast leadership and the majesty of Mt. Isarog.

The governor closed his speech with a call to collective purpose: “Ang nais kong iwan sainyo — walang luminary na nag-iisa. Bawat parangal dito ay nagpapaliwanag ng landas para sa kapwa LGU. When one local government rises, it should give light to others. That is the true meaning of governance — not competition, but shared light.”

The Provincial Government was also recently recognized by DILG CamSur for passing the 2025 Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) assessment, reflecting its commitment to transparency, accountability, the Full Disclosure Policy, and the prudent management of public funds.

The multiple recognitions reinforce the Villafuerte administration's track record of excellence, innovation, and service to the people. As the provincial government looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver meaningful programs, uphold the rights of every citizen, and build a more progressive and inclusive Camarines Sur for generations to come.