President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to ensure the prudent and efficient use of funds allocated for community empowerment and development programs nationwide.

During the mass oath-taking of the newly elected national officers of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) at Malacañan Palace, Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through stronger and more capable LGUs.

“The national government has been trying to engage more and more local governments in everything that we do, even if it is technically a national project, for example,” he said.

Marcos emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between the national and local governments to bridge gaps at the grassroots level and harmonize social development efforts.

He noted that LGUs have been provided funding through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF), and other financial assistance programs to support the implementation of key development initiatives and projects.

Marcos reminded local officials to ensure that government programs directly benefit their constituents, particularly the most vulnerable sectors.

“To identify the most-needy in each community, we need you,” he said.

“All of these funds will go through sa inyo. Sa inyo lahat ito. So, tiyakin ninyo na mapunta sa tama, tiyakin ninyo na tama ang pagkagamit, and that it is efficiently used, walang masyadong wastage (That’s all yours. So, make sure they are used properly and efficiently, with minimal wastage).”

Marcos underscored the vital role of local governments in achieving his administration’s goal of improving the lives of Filipinos.

“So, we have to be conscious that we should now view the national government and the local government as working together as one,” he said.

The President earlier pledged to increase allocations for the LGSF and SCPF to sustain the faster delivery of services to the communities nationwide. (PNA)