Malaca±ang: The national government will sustain its vigilance in monitoring the utilization of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to ensure that the assistance extended to local government units (LGUs) is appropriately utilized, as announced on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro disclosed that the proposed LGSF allocation for 2027 stands at PHP58.53 billion, marking an increase of approximately 1.14 percent from the PHP57.87 billion allocated for 2026. This increment is aimed at providing LGUs with enhanced resources for infrastructure and social development projects such as farm-to-market roads, water systems, health facilities, bridges, disaster-resilient communities, and support for marginalized groups.
Additionally, Castro noted that the LGSF also includes provisions for distributing free rice to residents in various localities. She emphasized the national government's ongoing responsibility beyond merely releasing funds to LGUs, highlighting the necessity of monitoring their use to prevent misuse.
Castro stated, "Kahit ito ay ibinigay po na pondo, hindi po natatapos ang obligasyon ng national government pagkabigay ng pondo. Ito po ay kailangang ma-monitor din po (Even after the funds are provided, the national government's obligation does not end with the release of the funds. These also need to be monitored)."
Despite the devolution of functions to LGUs, Castro assured that relevant national government agencies would persist in overseeing programs and projects funded through the LGSF. The Department of Public Works and Highways, she mentioned, would oversee the execution of infrastructure projects, while agencies such as the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would supervise scholarship initiatives.
During the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Luzon National Congress on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto stated that the government is expediting the devolution of functions and resources to LGUs, with the projected National Tax Allotment (NTA) anticipated to reach a historic PHP1.4 trillion nationwide. This projected NTA signifies an 11-percent rise from current levels, with Luzon LGUs expected to receive PHP676.9 billion.
Recto urged LGUs to ensure the judicious use of their NTA and LGSF allocations, particularly concerning climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and solid waste management.
Castro added that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains committed to heeding the concerns, suggestions, and opinions of LGUs, including feedback on the LGSF's implementation. She further noted the President's acknowledgment of the necessity to equip local governments with additional resources to better attend to their constituents' needs.
