Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on local government units (LGUs) to judiciously manage the funds designated for community empowerment and development initiatives across the nation. His appeal was made during the mass oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected national officers of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) held at Malaca±an Palace.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos reiterated his dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development by empowering LGUs. He highlighted the importance of engaging local governments in national projects to ensure cohesive social development efforts. The President stressed the need for enhanced coordination between national and local governments to address grassroots-level gaps.

Marcos pointed out that LGUs have access to financial resources through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF), and other assistance programs aimed at facilitating the execution of crucial development projects. He urged local officials to guarantee that these initiatives directly benefit their constituents, especially focusing on the most vulnerable sectors.

In his address, Marcos emphasized the critical role of local governments in realizing his administration's vision of improving the quality of life for Filipinos. He expressed the necessity for national and local governments to operate in unison, emphasizing that it is imperative for funds to be utilized appropriately and efficiently to minimize wastage.

The President has also committed to enhancing the allocations for the LGSF and SCPF to ensure the accelerated delivery of services to communities across the country.