EMPOWERING LOCAL LEADERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly, which took place on February 27, 2024 at the Marriott Manila Hotel, reaffirmed the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in his address to the assembly, strongly acknowledged the critical role of LGUs as frontliners. They, according to him, are important in achieving our national goals. He said that it has been his personal rule to never pass up on the chances of meeting with mayors since 40 years ago for he always believes in making connections with the grassroots through the local chief executives. This, he said, will allow him to understand the needs and concerns of the communities. “Now that I am in office, that belief has not changed. It has only been strengthened,” he stressed.

Municipalities, according to the president, should not be taken for granted as the last outpost of government because, being on the frontlines, they serve as first responders to the needs of the people, especially during critical situations. Marcos said that they should not be viewed as just implementors of the national program; they too can initiate their own. “Municipalities should not be treated as passive receivers of projects from the national government. You must actively incubate your own initiatives, your own projects. Because programs developed by municipalities from below, by leaders who know the conditions on the ground, are better than those policies that are dictated from above.”

The president stressed that his administration is supportive of the LGUs' efforts to achieve the SDGs. He said that the government is setting aside Php457.41 billion for projects that address climate change and environmental issues; and improve water security and renewable energy use. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, during the opening, also recognized the role of LGUs in addressing the issues of poverty, healthcare, and climate change. He assured the mayors that the House is committed to providing support to municipalities, emphasizing the Mandanas Ruling that helped augment local government shares in national taxes. He also emphasized the importance of working together between national and local government efforts. LMP National President and La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” Bernos emphasized the municipal mayors’ commitment to support the sustainable programs of the Marcos administration. He recognized the role of LMP in promoting sustainable development by localizing SDGs according to the thrust of the national government. The assembly demonstrated the country’s commitment to achieving the SDGs by mobilizing local governments. President Marcos’ recognition of the importance of LGUs stresses the vital role of municipalities in achieving such through community engagement and national government support.