Marcos rallies support for LGU empowerment initiative

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the public—especially local chief executives—to support and take part in the administration’s “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” project, which is designed to help local government units (LGUs) better respond to the needs of their communities.

At the Malacañang launch event, attended by governors and mayors nationwide, Marcos emphasized that local leaders are best positioned to understand the true conditions in their communities.

"Maisasakatuparan lamang ang ating mga hangarin kung patuloy ang ating pagkakaisa at ang ating koordinasyon," the President said.

(Our goals will only be achieved if there is unity and coordination among us.)

"Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na makilahok upang ang mga proyekto sa inyong komunidad – at maging katuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagtiyak na ang pondo ay napapakinabangan ng bawat mamamayan," Marcos added.

(I encourage everyone to support and join this project to ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of all citizens.)

The event was also attended by two of Marcos' rivals in the 2022 presidential elections—Leni Robredo, who is now mayor of Naga City, and Isko Moreno, mayor of Manila. The three even posed for a photo at the end of the program.

The administration launched “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” as a national program designed to strengthen government support for all LGUs.

Marcos said the initiative is a direct mandate to ensure that the benefits of national progress are felt quickly and equitably across every community.

He said the program seeks to bridge the “opportunity gap,” translating national economic growth into tangible household security so that progress is measured by the well-being of every Filipino family.

The President also highlighted the role of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), alongside the National Tax Allocation (NTA), as a bridge between the national government and local communities.

According to him, these funds have helped support local projects nationwide.

With almost P58 billion in LGSF allocations for this year, Marcos said over five million families are expected to receive 60 kilos of rice assistance, helping prevent food insecurity.

The expanded LGSF will also fund the construction of hospitals and health stations, as well as the procurement of additional medical equipment, to make health services more accessible to the public.

Marcos added that farm-to-market roads and local road networks would also be supported by the LGSF, improving efficiency and reducing costs for both sellers and consumers.—MCG, GMA Integrated News