Marcos to LGUs: Learn best practices of other countries

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local government units (LGUs) to learn from the best practices of other countries.

"So we must also explore international partnership such as that with your counterpart, not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well," Marcos told the attendees of the Philippine Mayors' Forum in Pasig City.

"In that way, we will learn the best, best practices in improving public service delivery," he added.

Marcos guaranteed local executives that his administration would be their partner in achieving their goals in their respective localities.

"I assure you, our mayors, that this administration will remain your leading partner in enhancing your capacities to achieve our sustainable development goals and Ambisyon Natin 2040," he said.

Marcos said the forum is also the most opportune time for national government agencies and LGUs "to come together — with the support of international partners — to augment our strategies and approaches towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

Marcos expressed hope that the discussions would result in the wider adoption of multi-level governance; the rise of smarter and more sustainable communities; and the emergence of stronger and more resilient local institutions.

“I welcome this forum which seeks to harness the power of innovation, digital governance, and resiliency-building to ensure that the government can better respond to the demands of the times and, when I speak of government, I speak of government at every level,” Marcos said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is holding the Philippine Mayors Forum in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The event is aimed at highlighting the vital role of the LGUs in the attainment of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. —KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News