Marcos tells LGUs: Improve public service thru int’l tie-ups

President Ferdinand Marcos has urged local government units (LGUs) to explore international partnerships and learn from the best practices of foreign partners to improve the delivery of public service.

Marcos addressed the Philippine Mayors Forum in Quezon City on Friday, Oct. 27. The event was organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator’s Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In his speech, the President urged local chief executives to take full advantage of the knowledge, training, and experience that the UN has gained around the world and apply them to their own constituencies.

“Let us make good use of this forum— a very effective multiplier of the efforts that we bring,” he said.

“We make ourselves more learned when it comes to the problems we’re facing. That way, we’re able to achieve more,” he added.

Marcos likewise hoped that the discussions between the local, national, and UN officials would result in the wider adoption of multi-level governance, the rise of smarter, more sustainable communities, and the emergence of stronger and more resilient local institutions.

“I welcome this forum which seeks to harness the power of innovation, digital governance, and resiliency-building, to ensure that the government can better respond to the demands of the times,” he added.

“[The forum is] a potent weapon in facing the challenges of climate change, digitalization, sustainability, and mitigation,” he added.

According to the President, the Philippines would not achieve the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without the help of LGUs and if they are not capacitated.

“We depend on the local government,” he said.

“Maraming magandang salita pero ang puno’t dulo niyan kayo— ang ating local chief executives. Kung wala kayong kakayahan na gawin agad ito (There are many good speeches but it will all depend on our local chief executives. If you do not have the capacity to do these things), we will reach down to the ground level,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making both the local and national government more transparent, more responsive, and accessible to the public.

“I assure you that this administration will remain your leading partner in enhancing your capacities to achieve our sustainable development goals,” he said.

“Let us continue working hard to serve our nation, to give a better life to every Filipino, and to prepare a better country for the next generations,” he added. — Argyll Cyrus Geducos