CLARK FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto led the distribution of Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) to qualified municipalities in the Visayas.
The distribution, held during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Visayas Island Cluster Conference in Clark Freeport Zone, highlighted the continuing support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to local governments as they address priority needs and improve basic services in their communities.
Recto also received the Presidential Action Agenda containing the collective concerns and recommendations of the Visayas mayors.
“Naniniwala po kami na kapag nagsasalita ang mga mayor, dapat nakikinig ng mabuti ang national government,” he said.
The cabinet official noted that mayors are closest to their constituents and understand the challenges faced by their communities, from barangay halls to far-flung sitios.
“And our job in the national government is to back you up,” he added.
Recto disclosed the proposed P274.36 billion National Tax Allotment for the Visayas in 2027.
Of this amount, P92.03 billion is allocated to municipalities, P65.03 billion to cities, P58.70 billion to provinces, and P58.60 billion to barangays.
He also cited the continuing LGSF assistance for local development projects, including roads, water systems, health facilities, farm-to-market roads, and multipurpose buildings.
“Lakihan ang pondo para lahat makinabang. Ilabas agad ang SARO para agaran ang kilos,” Recto said.
He likewise mentioned government efforts to address major development concerns in the Visayas, particularly power supply, infrastructure, employment, and economic opportunities.
Recto cited measures to increase power supply in Cebu, Panay, and Negros, as well as transport projects in Metro Cebu and Iloilo and the New Cebu International Container Port.
“Dahil para sa Pangulo: Ang trabaho ang dapat lumapit sa mga taga-Visayas. Hindi dapat kailangan pang pumunta sa Maynila at lumayo sa pamilya para lang magkaroon ng magandang buhay,” he said.
For LMP National President and Echague, Isabela Mayor Faustino “Inno” Dy V, the conference gives mayors a venue to directly raise their concerns with national government agencies and learn from other local governments.
He said municipalities have different financial capacities, geographic conditions, and development challenges, which should be considered in crafting national policies.
“Our concerns cannot always be addressed through a one-size-fits-all approach. Policies made at the national level must recognize the realities on the ground,” Dy said.
The mayors discussed concerns on health, agriculture, livelihood, social protection, infrastructure, waste management, and basic services.
Their recommendations were consolidated and formally submitted to the President through the Executive Secretary.
Recto, meanwhile, reminded local officials to use government funds properly and ensure that resources translate into services for their constituents.
“Gamitin po ang pondo kung saan tunay na kailangan. Gamitin nang tama. Gamitin nang walang bahid ng pulitika. At higit sa lahat, gamitin para sa tao ang pera ng bayan,” he said.
He underscored that national and local governments must work together in bringing government services and development closer to communities.
“Hindi dalawa ang gobyerno. Hindi kakumpitensya ng national government ang local government. Iisang team tayo,” Recto said. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco)
