Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday met with leaders of local government leagues to strengthen coordination in the implementation of the 2026 national budget, which allocates about ₱1.4 trillion to local government units (LGUs).
Recto said the meeting was in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to transform LGUs from passive fund recipients into active partners in economic delivery.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act expanded LGU funding for projects such as roads, health centers, flood control, social services, and climate-change initiatives.
A key item is the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), raised by Congress to ₱57.87 billion, intended for quick-impact projects like farm-to-market roads, evacuation centers, and water systems.
Officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo, assured that fund releases and utilization will be closely monitored.
The meeting gathered top local leaders, including Aurora Governor Dakila Carlo Cua of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Echague Mayor Faustino Dy V, and Liga ng mga Barangay head Maria Katrina Jessica Dy.
Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos also joined the discussions, underscoring the administration’s push for stronger LGU participation in national development.