Interior secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. has signed an agreement with Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran for the implementation of quick-impact projects that will benefit local communities in the Philippines.
Local government units across the country stand to benefit from the multi-million dollar grant from the government of India (GOI), according to Abalos.
He extended his gratitude to the GOI for the funding window which “is a first of its kind” and a much-needed intervention for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and more so for LGUs which are now expected to take bolder steps to realize full devolution in view of the Supreme Court ruling in 2018.
“On behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the Filipino people, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the GOI for the financial grant for the implementation of quick impact projects that will immensely benefit local communities in the Philippines,” Abalos said.
“This is a massive reinforcement in our current efforts toward full devolution and to further improve public service in the communities,” he added.
The DILG chief said under the agreement, the GOI will provide $50,000 grant assistance for each qualified LGU to finance infrastructure projects ranging from roads, bridges and community centers to school, health, and development facilities.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ambassador said this (agreement) is a milestone and “the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful journey of cooperation between our countries.”
“I would like to thank the Secretary for his vision, leadership, and decisive intervention to make sure that this agreement came to fruition very quickly,” he said.