President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that requests for funding local projects in small and remote areas of the Philippines will no longer face delays or complications, as reported by RH Leth Narciso.

Speaking during the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program at Malacañang Palace on February 23, Marcos emphasized that government programs and funds will now directly benefit every province, city, and municipality across the country.

In his speech, he highlighted that the old system often delayed the release of funds, as local governments had to submit extensive requirements for project proposals—a process that could slow down or even lose requests, especially in smaller and more remote towns.

"Pinabilis at pinadiretso na natin ang pagdating ng LGSF sa bawat lokal na pamahalaan. Ginawa namin ito dahil sa pagkilala na ang pangangailangan ng tao, gaano man kaliit o gaano kalaki, ay hindi naghihintay pa,” the President said.

Marcos Jr. also ordered the direct release of nearly P58 billion under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to ensure faster funding for community projects across the Philippines.

Speaking at Malacañang Palace during the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, Marcos emphasized that the orders aim to eliminate delays in funding approvals and guarantee that every province, city, and municipality benefits immediately.

“Kaya’t sa kabuuan nito, umabot na ang pondong ‘yan sa halos 58 bilyong piso—pinakamataas sa buong kasaysayan ng LGSF,” Marcos said.

The government increased the LGSF allocation to over PhP34 billion, bringing the total to almost P58 billion.

The President instructed that the PHP 58 billion—record-high funding for the LGSF—be used for priority programs, including:

• Distribution of 60 kilos of rice to over five million families

• Construction of hospitals and health stations, including medical equipment procurement

• Development of farm-to-market roads

• Improvements in water supply systems and rural electrification projects

• Construction of evacuation centers

Marcos also emphasized strengthening LGUs, noting that local governments are best positioned to address the immediate needs of their communities. This year, approximately PHP 1.19 trillion in National Tax Allotment has also been released to LGUs, a 15 percent increase from 2025.

The program launch was attended by local chief executives and representatives from the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines.