President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has asked the country's vice mayos to support the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023 to 2028 and the Administration's legislative priorities as he, in turn, assured them of his support for effective and meaningful local autonomy. (https://images.mb.com.ph/production/mb-mkt-neo-prod-1-uploads/President_Ferdinand_Bongbong_Marcos_Jr_Malacanang_photo_65580eaaf0/President_Ferdinand_Bongbong_Marcos_Jr_Malacanang_photo_65580eaaf0.jfif) *President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang file photo)*

Marcos said this as he led the oath-taking of the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines (VMLP) national officers in Malacañang on Thursday, June 8. In his speech, the President said it was now up to the government officials to "solidify" the PDP for 2023 to 2028, which outlines the strategies to attain economic transformation and create a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society for the Filipino people. "It is now upon us to solidify the groundwork upon which this transformation is based; and to make sure that it gains traction, especially at the local level," he said. "So, I take this opportunity to rally your support behind our socio-economic plan and the Administration's legislative priorities. To this day, our Vice Mayors are important instruments in our bureaucracy and in our delivery of services to the public," he added. Marcos emphasized that critical programs and projects for the Filipino people should be "felt in their localities, in a sufficient and timely manner." In addition, he noted collaborative efforts as key to achieving the government's goals while acknowledging that fulfilling these legislative priorities may pose a challenge to local government units (LGUs), especially in streamlining and digitalizing their operations. "LGUs are not alone in this exercise," the President said. "Through strategic capacity-building efforts and partnerships with the national government and the private sector, these can be accomplished even in the short-term, well within our terms of office," he added. President Marcos likewise reaffirmed his commitment that his Administration would continue to recognize and advocate for the LGUs' autonomy as they serve their localities. "LGUs can be assured of this government's support for effective and meaningful local autonomy," he said, noting that it will be achieved through optimal devolution of functions and services. The Chief Executive also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between the local and the national government. "Working with the local government is something that is very, very productive all the time," Marcos said.