MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, August 23, cited the solidarity of local government units (LGUs) with the governance agenda of his administration, recognizing the value of their cooperation with the national government.
The agenda of the Marcos administration calls for local governments to be smart, resilient and driven, with the aim of transforming communities under the banner of a Bagong Pilipinas.
In his speech before the “Local Governance Summit 2024” at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, President Marcos urged LGUs to explore the various ways of capacitating localities and employ local executives to serve the people better.
“This is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the huge responsibility that we all hold in our hands — the ability to transform our respective communities and the lives of those that are in those communities under the banner of [a] Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos said.
“Your strong presence here today … that demonstrates your solidarity with the Administration’s governance agenda, as reflected in this assembly’s theme, that calls for our local governments to be smart, to be resilient, and to be driven,” the President added.
He said the country relies on the guidance and service of local officials in uplifting the quality of life of citizens.
“I look forward that you will continue to be accountable, reliable, and efficient in bringing our people closer to the opportunities that they all deserve. Your cooperation with the national government is invaluable for it is only with your help that we can achieve our shared aspirations,” President Marcos told the over 3,000 local executives that attended the Summit.
President Marcos said that in the age of technological advancement, it has become imperative to utilize the latest tools and strategies to improve the daily operations of the government.
It applies to areas such as designing infrastructure, urban planning, and even in the simple process of applying for a business permit, he said.
To bolster the digitalization of local processes, the President said the government is conducting caravans nationwide to promote the adoption by LGUs of the eLGU system as their electronic business one-stop shop, making government transactions convenient for the general public.
“It is incumbent upon us to promote these smart solutions, such as innovative technologies and strategies, so we can maximize its advantages, especially in the face of challenges that threaten the overall well-being of our constituents,” he said.
On the other hand, the President also reminded the LGU executives that currently, the country is experiencing a surge in leptospirosis and dengue cases, which are attributed by the Department of Health (DOH) to improper garbage disposal and poor waste management.
He said the government’s solid waste management problem is also a major factor that caused flooding in Metro Manila during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon last month.
During the summit, the President urged local chief executives to work harder to utilize environmentally-sound methods and waste minimization measures to protect public health and the planet.
“I urge you all to lead aggressive information dissemination campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases, such as a campaign to remind our people, especially children, against swimming in flood waters and to practice [proper] personal hygiene to mitigate the spread of leptospirosis, Mpox, and any other illnesses,” he said.
President Marcos also cited the KALINISAN Program, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), that reflects the earnest efforts to improve the waste disposal and management to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for all.
“I call on the LGUs to continue your active participation in this initiative,” he said.
To recognize the government’s Lupon, which makes an invaluable impact on the peace and order in the community, the President said he recently signed Executive Order No. 68, strengthening the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards System and reorganizing the National Awards Committee.
Under the new EO, the number of award categories is increased from four to 10, which includes the Hall of Fame and Peace Champion awards.
This year, the government targets to issue the order amending Executive Order No. 138, s. 2021, with clearer parameters on the functions, services and facilities to be devolved.
“Once we have clearly defined the parameters of devolution, our LGUs will have greater capability to implement and localize the Sustainable Development Goals,” President Marcos said.
“This is the moment to rise as effective stewards of your respective localities, to drive progress in your communities, [and] to nurture a culture of collaboration amongst concerned stakeholders,” he said. (PCO)
