President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday direct funding for local government units (LGUs) has improved project implementation and strengthened accountability at the community level.
During the launch of the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City, Marcos said reforms were introduced in the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to ensure that resources are provided directly to LGUs instead of being subject to discretionary allocation.
He recalled that local officials previously had limited access to national government funds and often relied on connections to secure support for projects.
Marcos said his administration streamlined the system and allowed funds to be downloaded directly to local governments for priority projects.
“Kaya’t ginawa natin ang LGSF at diniresto na natin sa mga mayor, sa mga gobernador para sa kanilang proyekto (That is why we strengthened the LGSF and directed the funds straight to the mayors and governors for their respective projects),” he said.
The President expressed confidence in the LGUs’ ability to implement projects efficiently, noting that public scrutiny serves as a safeguard against poor implementation and encourages responsible use of government resources.
He added that local governments are in a better position to identify the needs of their constituents and oversee project implementation.
“Binigay na namin sa local government at sabi ko sa kanila, kayo na ang bahala, basta’t nakakasiguro ako na hindi gaya ng flood control na alanganin dahil ang local government, kapag hindi maganda ang trabaho, sisitahin niyo lahat (We entrusted the funds to local governments and told them, ‘You take charge.’ I am confident because, unlike questionable projects, such as some flood control works, local officials are directly accountable to the people. If the work is not done properly, the public will immediately call them out),” Marcos said.
He also underscored the importance of close cooperation between national agencies and local governments, saying stronger coordination has enabled faster and more effective delivery of services.
He said reforms have brought local and national governments closer together, resulting in more responsive and efficient governance.
“Binago ko ang sistema kaya’t ngayon ay nasabi ko, napakalapit na, malapit na ang pagsasama at maganda na ang pagsasama ng ating mga local government unit at saka ng national government (I changed the system, and now we can truly say that local government units and the national government are working much more closely and effectively together),” Marcos said.
“Dahil kahit na napakarami ang ahensiya ng national government, hindi talaga kaya ang buong bansa na mabilis matulungan (Because no matter how many agencies the national government has, it simply cannot respond quickly to the needs of the entire country without the help of local governments).”
During the event, Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) assistance amounting to PHP40 million to the provincial government of South Cotabato and PHP96 million to the provincial government of Cotabato.
The funds will benefit villages and communities across the two provinces.
Marcos also met with presidential scholars, barangay officials, and local leaders. (PNA)
