President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday championed a more collaborative, inclusive approach to governance, promising to directly address the needs of local communities while urging them to voice their concerns to the national government.
Speaking at the Western Mindanao State University gym during the official handover of the Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF), the President emphasized that effective governance requires a two-way street, rather than just top-down directives.
“Kapag may kailangan kayo, kapag may nakikita kayong problema, sabihin ninyo sa amin, sabihin ninyo sa mga local government officials, sabihin ninyo sa mga barangay officials, sabihin ninyo sa bawat ahensya ng national government kung kaya naming gawin,” President Marcos said.
(“When you need something, when you see a problem, tell us, tell your local government officials, your barangay officials, or any agency of the national government if it’s within our capacity.”)
He reassured the public of his administration’s active presence: “Basta’t sinabi ninyo na kailangan ninyo ito at kaya namin ibigay, gagawin po natin. Asahan ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay nandito, nakikinig sa inyo.” (“As long as you express your needs and we can deliver, we will do it. Rest assured that your government is here, listening to you.”)
As part of the administration’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind, President Marcos led the turnover of PhP371.8 million under the SCPF-Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program. The financial assistance was distributed to the following Local Government Units (LGUs):
-
Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte
-
Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur
-
Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay
-
City Government of Zamboanga
Beyond the SCPF, the President highlighted the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) as another vital tool being extended to local communities. He issued a challenge to local leaders, promising a larger budget allocation if current funds are managed effectively and yield positive results.
“Ang sinasabi ko, pag magiging maganda ang takbo ng programang ito at yung programa doon sa LGSF, kung maganda ‘yan, titiyakin ko sa budget ng 2027, kalakip pa natin yung ibibigay natin,” President Marcos noted, anchoring the administration’s fiscal expansion to tangible community development.
The Chief Executive concluded by calling for stronger collaboration across all levels of government to ensure rapid, grassroots-led progress in the region.
