President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday called on newly-elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) to lead efforts in strengthening governance, fighting corruption, and improving delivery of public services.
Speaking at the oath-taking of LPP officers in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos urged provincial leaders to become the “guides, voices, and consciences” of their constituents as the country pursues reforms under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
“Now, more than ever, the Philippines needs your leadership to put an end to entrenched wrong practices,” he said.
“Serve the people with integrity, ensure projects are in order, and expose anything that goes against public interest,” the President added.
Mr. Marcos said he understood the crucial role of local governments in responding to challenges, from droughts to natural disasters.
He lauded the LPP for backing digitization efforts that streamlined government processes and reduced fixers.
Mr. Marcos also highlighted achievements in agriculture, citing cooperation with provinces in making rice more affordable and ensuring subsidies reach farmers. But he stressed that more work remains, particularly in monitoring projects and ensuring transparency in spending.
He pointed to the administration’s flagship Zero Balance Billing program, now covering 78 Department of Health hospitals, which allows patients in basic ward accommodations to receive care without paying out-of-pocket.
The chief executive said he hopes local government-run hospitals would adopt the same system to ease the burden on poor families.
The President also encouraged the use of technology, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to improve frontline services across provinces.
Since its creation in 1987, the LPP has served as a collective voice of governors nationwide.
Mr. Marcos said he expects the group to remain a symbol of unity and partnership with the national government.
