The Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) has expressed strong support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to raise the 2026 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to over ₱57 billion—the largest allocation for local assistance in Philippine history.
In a statement Wednesday, the group said the expanded funding recognizes the crucial role of local government units (LGUs) in delivering frontline services.
“This significant increase affirms the vital role of local governments in delivering services that matter most to our people,” M4GG said.
Marcos ordered the direct release of ₱57.872 billion under the LGSF during the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program at Malacañang on February 23, attended by hundreds of governors and mayors nationwide.
The group also welcomed plans to download funds to LGUs for school infrastructure projects under the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, to be implemented with the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Empowering local governments to directly implement school infrastructure projects can help accelerate classroom construction, address congestion, and ensure that facilities are built based on actual community needs,” M4GG noted.
The coalition stressed that the effectiveness of the increased funding will depend on transparency and accountability.
“If implemented with transparency, accountability, and integrity, this move can meaningfully contribute to restoring public trust in government institutions,” it added.
M4GG convenors include Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Isabela, Basilan Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman.
The group said it is ready to collaborate with the national government to ensure the 2026 LGSF strengthens local autonomy and delivers measurable improvements in communities nationwide.