Local government units are invited to join the inaugural search for cities and municipalities that have exerted outstanding efforts to deliver basic education to their constituents. Recipients of the Synergeia Foundation’s Seal of Good Education Governance, to be named in September, will get incentive packages from PLDT and Smart Communications, worth up to P1.5 million each. In determining the first batch of seal recipients, a board of judges comprised of representatives from Synergeia, PLDT, Smart, and the Department of Education will evaluate how nominated local governments have reinvented their local school boards and governing councils. Judges will also check how the local governments have involved their communities in enabling all children to go to school. The locality must also have a high cohort survival rate (grade one students must finish at least grade six) and a steadily improving performance in the national achievement test. The Special Education Fund must also be used on activities that promote learning. Application forms may be downloaded from www.synergeia.org.ph starting today. Established in 2002, Synergeia is a coalition of individuals and organizations working closely with about 400 local governments to help improve the delivery of basic education to children. The foundation intends to award the Seal of Good Education Governance to deserving local governments every year. (pr)