President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged for a more prominent role for local government units (LGUs) in shaping national development programs, emphasizing that real progress under his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision hinges on empowering local leaders.
Speaking during the distribution of patient transport vehicles to LGUs, Marcos said that mayors and governors are “the experts” when it comes to understanding the needs of their communities. “All the LGUs, the mayors, know their towns. The governors know their provinces better than anybody,” he stated.
The President highlighted efforts to strengthen coordination between national agencies and LGUs through a whole-of-government approach. He pointed to the Regional Development Councils as key platforms for identifying priority projects that the national government will support in partnership with local authorities.
Drawing from his own experience as a former governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos reiterated his long-standing belief in the capabilities of LGUs. “Lumaki ako sa LGU. Matagal ko nang sinasabi ‘yan,” he said, recalling how he often advocated for LGU involvement even during his time as a congressman and senator.
The Bench Files 
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