President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reminded local officials to stay focused on their duty to serve, urging them to rise above political divisions and prioritize the welfare of the people as the campaign season began for the 2025 midterm elections.
“No matter how intense the campaign gets, let’s not forget that we entered public service to help our fellow Filipinos,” Mr. Marcos told members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines on Wednesday.
“At the end of our term, only one question matters: Did we make life better for the people?” he asked local government leaders during their meeting at the Manila Hotel.
The chief executive called on officials to reflect on their contributions and ensure that governance remains centered on improving lives rather than political rivalries.
He encouraged local leaders to sustain reforms, embrace innovation, and continue their commitment to public service beyond their terms in office.
“The solutions of yesterday no longer address the problems of today,” he said.
“We must lead with integrity, serve with competence, and govern with a vision that extends beyond our terms in office,” he added.
Mr. Marcos lauded the progress made in local governance, citing the increase in the number of municipalities meeting fiscal and transparency standards under the Seal of Good Local Governance.
He also highlighted new laws, such as the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act and the Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act, which aim to improve local financial management.
The President also urged local governments to embrace digitalization, noting that more than 1,200 LGUs have initiated automation efforts, while 741 have adopted the e-LGU platform.
“This is very, very important,” he said.
“We must use the best technologies to improve public service. If we don’t, we risk being left behind,” he added.
Mr. Marcos also underscored the need for environmental initiatives and disaster preparedness, particularly in the face of worsening climate conditions.
He pointed to the KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas program, which saw 22,200 barangays participating in clean-up efforts last year.