President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on elected officials to continue making a positive impact on their constituents even after their terms ended. Speaking at the End-Term General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday, he emphasized the enduring responsibility of public service.
“Today, we gather as leaders and public servants who have dedicated years—and in many cases, our lives—to civil service. For many of us, this is more than a profession; it is a lifelong commitment to serve our people,” Marcos told thousands of local leaders.
Mayors as Frontline Leaders
The President underscored the critical role of municipal mayors as the first responders in governance, bridging the gap between the people and the national government.
“You are on the frontlines of governance—the first to hear the concerns of our people, the first to respond to their needs, and the first to bear the weight of their expectations,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey from local governance to the presidency, Marcos noted that while challenges in public service are great, the opportunity to create lasting change is even greater.
Strengthening Local Governance
Marcos commended municipal leaders for their efforts in strengthening local governance, particularly through the Seal of Good Local Governance, which promotes financial sustainability and accountability. In 2024, the number of LGUs achieving high governance standards grew from 493 to 714—a sign of increasing fiscal discipline and transparency.
He also recognized the strides made in digital transformation, particularly through the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), which streamlines government processes. So far, 113 LGUs have fully complied with eBOSS, while 1,203 others have begun automation efforts. The government’s eLGU platform, designed to simplify transactions, has been adopted by 741 LGUs nationwide.
Sustaining Reforms Beyond Terms
The President highlighted the success of programs like the Kalinga at Inisyatiba Para sa Malinis na Bayan (KALINISAN) sa Bagong Pilipinas, which has mobilized over 22,000 barangays in regular clean-up efforts.
He urged mayors to continue supporting and sustaining government reforms beyond their terms to ensure continuity in governance and long-term prosperity.
“In Bagong Pilipinas, we aim for genuine, long-lasting change—not just through government efforts, but with the participation of every citizen,” Marcos said.
“So together, let us build a legacy of leadership—not just measured by words, but by livelihoods created, lives improved, and dreams fulfilled. A legacy that uplifts our people today and empowers our nation for generations to come,” he concluded.
