MUNICIPAL MAYORS SUPPORT PBBM ADMIN IN ACCELERATING PROGRESS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

Municipal mayors in the Philippines gather together to express their unwavering support to President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s administration on the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), which ran from February 27 to 29 in Marriott Hotel, gave local chief executives the opportunity to tackle different approaches to the implementation of the UN 2030 SDGs at the municipal level.

The localization of the SDGs is said to be essential as it is at the core of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 which is based on PBBM administration’s eight-point socio-economic agenda.

According to LMP National President Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” Bernos, the league of municipal mayors has always been at the government’s disposal in realizing the programs and projects that will bring progress to the grassroots level.

President Marcos, during his speech, said municipalities are not the outpost of the government, but are frontliners and first responders to their constituents. They are not mere implementers of National programs but they can initiate their own programs.

“These SDGs can only be achieved through unified action. One municipality at a time can build a better Philippines and bring Bagong Pilipinas in full fruition. And this is where the localization of SDGs matter. The best practice is to learn from each other while adapting to progress”, President Marcos said.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who commenced the assembly, said the National Government, with the guidance of PBBM will harness additional resources so LGUs can effectively utilize their developmental goals.

“Laging handa ang National Government particularly the House of Representatives na alalayan kayo, we will be with you every step of the way kasi… the success of every congressman is his mayors”, Speaker Romualdez noted.

Mayor Bernos said 9 years after the adoption of the SDGs by UN-member states, the Philippines still lags behind its neighboring countries in implementing the initiatives in achieving the said goals, and this is the opportune time for National Government agencies and LGUs to come together with the support of international partners to augment the strategies and approaches toward achieving the SDGs.

Officials from National Government agencies, Civil Society Organizations and the private sector are also present to participate in the thematic sessions for SDGs on No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being and Quality Education. (end)