President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded municipal mayors for their crucial role in governance, recognizing their contributions to improving fiscal discipline, transparency, and legislative development at the local level.
Speaking at the 2025 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to local government units (LGUs) for their dedication to crafting impactful legislation and addressing community needs.
He emphasized that mayors serve as the frontline leaders in responding to citizens’ concerns, using their deep understanding of their municipalities’ strengths and challenges to implement effective programs tailored to their constituents.
“A testament to this is the progress we have made in local governance,” Marcos stated, citing the increasing number of LGUs receiving the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance.
The President highlighted the vital role of mayors in shaping key legislative reforms, particularly the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act and the Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act. These laws aim to establish fairer property valuation standards and enhance the financial management of LGUs, ensuring sustainable local development.
He also commended local chief executives for spearheading island cluster conferences to align municipal initiatives with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By localizing these global objectives, municipal leaders are ensuring that sustainability and development efforts are effectively implemented in their communities.
Marcos underscored the evolving nature of governance, where rapid technological advancements and climate change have reshaped public expectations. He noted that traditional solutions are no longer sufficient to address modern challenges.
“The solutions of yesterday can no longer address the problems of today,” the President said. “We must lead with integrity, serve with competence, and govern with a vision that extends beyond our terms in office.”
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), a non-profit organization representing all municipalities in the country, continues to serve as a platform for municipal leaders to collaborate on policy reforms and innovative governance strategies.
