Enhanced coordination between the national government and local government units would better address the plight of ordinary Filipinos, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. told local executives of Manila City on Wednesday.

"And that's why it is extremely important that the local government and the national government work very, very closely so that we maximize all our efforts to alleviate the problems that our people face — the rising cost of food, fuel," Marcos said.

Marcos underscored the need for the national government and LGUs to collaborate to address present challenges confronting the nation such as the rising cost of living during his meeting with Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and other officials.

"Things are starting to even out but we still have many problems to face. Masyado pang maraming naghihirap na Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong. Kaya't kailangan ay maganda ang pag-ugnayan ng LGU at ng national government (There are many Filipinos still suffering and needing help. That is why it is important for the national and local governments to work hand in hand)," he added.

He said there will be less wastage of resources if there is better coordination between the national and local governments.

Through this, he added, duplications can be prevented and the officials can be more prudent in using government money and assets.

"So we have to be very careful (on) how we deploy what resources that we have. And again to maximize those resources we have to be in very close coordination, both the national government and local government such as the City of Manila," he said.

Marcos lamented that the national government can hardly reach the grassroots without the assistance of local governments.

"The people only feel the benefits of the barangay-level projects. Without those, people feel nothing even if the plans are very good," he said.

Local governments have something in common, he said, noting they face problems such as water management, traffic congestion and many others.

He added that LGUs have specific concerns not being experienced by others, stressing the important thing is that the national government identifies those problems and provides solutions.