Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to strengthening local governments as he represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the 2026 General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

Recto delivered the President’s message before mayors and municipal officials gathered at the Marriott Hotel last Tuesday, where they discussed governance challenges and national government programs affecting local communities.

During the assembly, the LMP, led by National President Mayor Faustino “Inno” Dy V, expressed appreciation for the administration’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which provides direct financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure projects, public services, and development initiatives.

Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the LGSF was increased by PHP34.87 billion, bringing the total allocation to PHP57.872 billion, the highest in its history.

The fund is a key component of the Marcos administration’s effort to strengthen local government capacity and improve service delivery at the grassroots level, particularly in smaller municipalities with limited fiscal resources.

The LMP also presented its policy recommendations on proposed reforms to the Local Government Code, which aims to further enhance local autonomy and improve coordination between national and local governments.

The league represents more than 1,400 municipal governments nationwide and serves as a platform for local officials to coordinate with national agencies on policy and development programs. (PNA)