With the 2028 elections still two years away but political alignments already beginning to take shape, governors, city mayors and municipal leaders from across the country gathered at Malacañang Palace on Monday as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. authorized the release of P57.87 billion in Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FA).

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the amount represents the largest LGSF allocation to date and forms part of the P1.393-trillion budgetary allocation for local governments.

“This affirms the President’s trust in local government units to identify their priorities and implement programs swiftly,” Recto said, noting that the funds were released on schedule to allow LGUs to deliver services without delay.

Recto stressed that the release of the funds was not intended to divide local governments or signal political alignment, amid heightened political noise following Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement of a possible presidential run in 2028.

“In the middle of all the noise, let us be clear why we are here: service, work, and delivery,” Recto said. “Government must move in sync — national and local, working together for the people.”

He underscored that LGUs are the frontlines of governance and should be treated as active partners rather than passive recipients of national programs.

ULAP manifesto

“The directive of the President was clear: release the LGSF on time so LGUs can act on time and deliver benefits to the people faster,” Recto said.

Minutes after the announcement, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino Gov. Dakila Cua presented President Marcos with a manifesto of support from local government leaders nationwide, affirming cooperation between national and local governments in implementing development programs.

President Marcos said the expanded LGSF would support priority initiatives, including additional rice assistance, improvements to health facilities, strengthened disaster preparedness, and upgrades to infrastructure such as energy and water supply systems.

With nearly P58 billion allocated for 2026, Marcos said more than five million families are expected to receive 60 kilos of rice, helping ease food insecurity across the country.

The expanded fund will also support the construction of hospitals and health stations, the procurement of additional medical equipment, and the building of multi-purpose halls and sports facilities that can serve as evacuation centers during disasters.

“These facilities will serve as places for learning, training, and safe shelter during emergencies,” the President said.

Unity cited

Farm-to-market roads and local road networks will likewise be supported to improve trade efficiency and reduce the cost of goods, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Marcos said the LGSF will also help expand water supply systems and electrification projects, particularly in underserved areas, to improve access to basic services and enhance community safety.

To speed up implementation, the President ordered the direct release of funds to LGUs, streamlining processes and minimizing bureaucratic delays.

Marcos reiterated the need for unity and coordination, saying national development goals can only be achieved through sustained cooperation between national and local governments.

“Our goals can only be realized if we continue to work together,” he said.