The Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) threw their support behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to increase the 2026 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to more than PHP57 billion, the highest local support fund allocation in history.

The group stated that the expanded fund recognizes the frontline role of local governments in delivering essential services and addressing community needs.

“This significant increase affirms the vital role of local governments in delivering services that matter most to our people,” the M4GG said in a statement on Wednesday.

Marcos ordered the direct release of the PHP57.872 billion LGSF during the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program in Malacañang on Feb. 23, attended by hundreds of governors and mayors nationwide.

The initiative aims to ensure that national funding support is felt immediately and equitably across communities.

The M4GG also backed the downloading of funds to LGUs for school construction under the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, to be implemented through agreements with the Department of Education.

“Empowering local governments to directly implement school infrastructure projects can help accelerate classroom construction, address congestion, and ensure that facilities are built based on actual community needs,” the group said.

The mayors noted that transparency and accountability will determine the success of the expanded funding.

“If implemented with transparency, accountability, and integrity, this move can meaningfully contribute to restoring public trust in government institutions,” the group said.

M4GG convenors include Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Isabela, Basilan Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman.

The group said it is ready to work with the national government to ensure the 2026 LGSF strengthens local autonomy and delivers measurable results on the ground. (PNA)