Cebu City: The devolution of certain functions from the executive branch to local government units (LGUs) is essential for achieving prosperity in the Philippines, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated during a recent event.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman highlighted the importance of advancing the government’s vision for stronger local governance while speaking at a stakeholder engagement and consultation held in Cebu City. The event focused on integrating the agendas of the national government and LGUs.
“As a former local chief executive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. understands the importance of citizens and LGUs in national development. One key solution to achieving our Agenda for Prosperity is devolution. The concept empowers our local government units to have the resources, autonomy, and capability to serve their communities effectively,” Pangandaman explained.
She emphasized that prosperity is a collective effort built through collaboration, shared responsibility, and a united vision for progress. The consultation and engagement forum served as a platform for LGUs, civil society organizations, local planning and development coordinators (LPDCs), and national government representatives to enhance collaboration, align national and local priorities, and advance participatory governance.
The event is part of the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) capacity development initiatives aimed at promoting participatory governance and evidence-based policymaking. The DBM seeks to foster closer collaboration between national and local governments to ensure public service delivery is inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of communities under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) governance framework.
Interactive sessions allowed participants to address critical challenges such as waste management, senior citizen support, agricultural and fisheries development, teenage pregnancy prevention, and local political coordination. Pangandaman cited relevant laws and programs designed to support LGUs, adding that the DBM is committed to integrating stakeholders’ insights into national planning and budgetary decisions.
She noted, “We take note of your concerns. Kung maidadagdag ko lang po, we’re in the process of working on our 2026 National Budget.” The Local Government Support Fund is available to assist LGUs in establishing Materials Recovery Facilities for waste management and implementing agriculture-related projects.
Pangandaman also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in funding large-scale infrastructure projects, such as sanitary landfills, and suggested engaging the Department of Agriculture and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to provide financial education for farmers and fisherfolk.
“As we move forward, let us remember that governance is not just about policies on paper, but about real, meaningful change in the lives of our people,” she concluded. She added that by properly implementing devolution and strengthening the capabilities of LGUs, civil society organizations, and LPDC members, the aim is for the country to become prosperous, inclusive, modern, and elevated.