President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) to support the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023 to 2028 and the administration’s legislative priorities as he, in turn, assured them of his support for effective and meaningful local autonomy.
President Marcos said that the government has already laid down the PDP for 2023 to 2028, which outlines the strategies to attain economic transformation and create a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society for the Filipino people.
“It is now upon us to solidify the groundwork upon which this transformation is based, and to make sure that it gains traction, especially at the local level,” Marcos said in his speech during the oath-taking of the VMLP’s national officers.
“So, I take this opportunity to rally your support behind our socio-economic plan and the Administration’s legislative priorities. To this day, our Vice Mayors are important instruments in our bureaucracy and in our delivery of services to the public,” he added.
He also emphasized that critical programs and projects for the Filipino people should be “felt in their localities, in a sufficient and timely manner.”
The President also noted collaborative efforts as key to achieving the government’s goals while acknowledging that fulfilling these legislative priorities may pose a challenge to LGUs, especially in streamlining and digitalizing their operations.
“Of course, LGUs are not alone in this exercise. Through strategic capacity-building efforts and partnerships with the national government and the private sector, these can be accomplished even in the short-term, well within our terms of office,” he said.
President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment that his administration will continue to recognize and advocate for the autonomy of the local government units (LGUs) as they serve their localities.
“As I have consistently advocated, LGUs can be assured of this government’s support for effective and meaningful local autonomy,” the President said as he emphasized that it will be achieved through optimal devolution of functions and services.
The President also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between the local and the national government.
“Mas maganda ang takbo ng ekonomiya, mararamdaman natin ‘yan sa buhay ng bawat isang Pilipino. So, that is…how we see the relationship between the national government and the local governments especially the local legislatures which you all shared,” he said.
The chief executive said that he is looking forward to working with the VMLP and the LGUs as he stood firm that “working with the local government is something that is very, very productive all the time.” PND.
