President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. met with local government unit (LGU) leaders during the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, February 23.
Among those present was former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, who attended the rollout of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), a key component of the initiative aimed at strengthening support for local governments.
The event gathered local chief executives from across the country as part of the administration’s push to enhance coordination between the national government and LGUs. The program seeks to ensure that cities and municipalities benefit directly from national development efforts.
Under the 2026 national budget, more than P57 billion has been allocated for the Local Government Support Fund to assist LGUs in implementing priority projects, including infrastructure development, delivery of social services, and other community-based initiatives.
Robredo joined fellow local officials at the ceremony, including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
The program seeks to streamline the distribution of financial assistance to LGUs, enabling them to respond more effectively to the needs of their constituents. Officials emphasized that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader goal of inclusive development under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
In a Facebook post, Zamora shared photos of Marcos with Robredo and other governors and mayors during the launch, highlighting what he described as a show of unity among national and local leaders in advancing grassroots development efforts.
"With President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, our Governors and Mayors in Malacañang for the launch of the Local Government Support Fund for the provinces, cities and municipalities of the Philippines! Thank you very much PBBM for empowering the LGUs of our country!" Zamora said in a caption.
The “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program underscores the national government’s commitment to empowering local governments through increased funding and institutional support, with the goal of fostering sustainable growth in cities and municipalities across the country.
