President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has told local government units )LGUs) to be "prudent" in using resources in order to reach more Filipinos in need.

Marcos made the call during the courtesy call of Manila local officials in Malacañang on Wednesday, Dec. 7, where problems confronting the nation such as the rising cost of living and other challenges were discussed.

He cited the scarcity of resources as he made the call for a more prudent use of government money and assets.

“So we have to be very careful 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,” Marcos said.

He stressed that there will be less "wastage in resources" if there is better coordination between the national government and LGUs, adding that duplications could also be avoided.

"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,” the President said.

“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 (There are still many Filipinos who are suffering and need help. So we need better coordination between the LGU and) national government,” he pointed out.

The chief executive further said that the national government can hardly reach the grassroots without the assistance of local governments. Thus, he is encouraging a better tie up between the governments.

“Kaya’t ang nararamdaman ng taong bayan ay yung ginagawa hanggang barangay level. Kung wala ‘yang mga ‘yan, walang nararamdaman yung tao kahit na napakaganda yung mga plano, napakaganda ng mga programa, hindi aabot. Kaya’t kailangan na kailangan namin ng tulong ninyo (The programs are felt in the barangay level because of them. Without them, the good plans and programs won't reach them. This is why we badly need your help). We really need the help of the local governments to guide us,” the President said.

During the courtesy call, the President and Manila officials mutually expressed their support and cooperation on government programs and projects that will provide better and more benefits not only for Manileños but also for all Filipinos.

Among the officials present in the courtesy call were Mayor Ma. Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor John Marvin Nieto, Representatives Ernesto Dionisio Jr. (1st District), Rolando Valeriano (2nd District), Joel Chua (3rd District), Edward Maceda (4th District), Erwin Tieng (5th District), Bienvenido Abante Jr. (6th District), Liga ng mga Barangay — Manila Chapter President Leilani Marie Lacuna, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Daniel Dave Tan and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.