To improve the delivery of services to the Malabueños, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and the local government partnered with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to launch the bank's program that helps fund local government initiatives for the effective implementation of programs.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement between the local government and DBP, dubbed as "Building Stronger Communities: DBP's Economic and Social Development Funding Program for Local Government Units" in Malabon City, was led by Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus at the Malabon Sports Complex during the celebration of the city's 425th Foundation Day, Tuesday, May 21. It was held to implement the Accelerating Sustainable Economic and Social Empowerment through National and Local Initiatives to Overcome Challenges (ASENSO) Financing Program.

According to DBP, the Financing Program aims to provide financing assistance to all levels of local government units in the accomplishment of its projects to accelerate infrastructure and socio-economic development consistent with the goals in Philippine Development Plan; and, to contribute in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

"Isang mapagpalang araw para sa Lungsod ng Malabon dahil ngayong araw ay ating pinirmahan ang MOA para sa partnership kasama ang DBP para sa programang layong makatulong at masiguro na ating maisasagawa ang ating mga programa para sa pag-ahon ng Malabon at ng mga residente nito. Lagi ko hong sinasabi sa inyo na bukas ang aking opisina para sa kahit na sinumang Malabueño na nangangailangan ng tulong, magtungo lang po sa amin tanggapan. Patuloy po tayo sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa para sa inyo at asahan ninyo kami ay handing umagapay at siguruhing mabuti at maganda ang pamumuhay dito sa ating lungsod," Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said that the partnership will allow the local government to get P3 billion loan from DBP, which will be used for infrastructure projects to address different issues including informal settlement, illegal parking of vehicles, and lack of hospital facilities.

Mayor Jeannie, who was recently named by the RP Mission and Development Foundation, Inc. as the Top Performing NCR Mayor (based on their March 18-24 survey), thanked the DBP for the confidence and trust to her effective leadership and promised the loan granted to the city government will be used for projects that will help address various concerns of the Malabueños.

As part of the city government's mission (Walang Maiiwan, Malabon Ahon!), Mayor Jeannie and the local government aims to lessen the number of informal settler families by building housing projects including the mid-rise housing projects at Sisa Exit (88 housing units) and Paladium Street (220 units) in Barangay Tinajeros. The projects both aim to give residents living near danger zones in the city their homes that are much secured, safe and better.

Among the proposed projects of the local government to solve various concerns and issues are the construction of a five-storey multi-purpose building with deck in Barangay Tañong which will support businesses, provide jobs for the residents, and bring the local government services closer and more accessible to them; the Ospital ng Malabon's extension building to allow the health facility to offer more free health services for the residents; a four-story parking building near the City Hall for the safety and convenience of the residents, and its clients, and employees, and encourage them to do transactions with the local government.

The local government also plans to start the construction of the Malabon Sports and Convention Center in Barangay Tañong that will provide a space for residents to conduct conventions, meetings, seminars, sports events and allow them to bond and participate and other activities of the communities.

DBP shared that the ASENSO Program aims to fund the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that will facilitate trade and transportation; improve social services by allocate funds for health, education, and housing projects to improve the quality of life of citizens; and strengthen the city's economy by supporting local businesses.

"Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ito, na naisagawa dahil sa epektibong pamumuno ng ating 'Ina ng Malabon,' Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, ating mapapabuti ang pagsasagawa ng mga programang pangimprastraktura na bahagi ng ating mga Gawain upang makamit ang ating layuning matulungannang bawat Malabueño tungo sa pag-ahon. Magagamit natin ang ponding mula sa DBP para mas mapaganda pa ang mga proyekto sa pabahay, imprastraktura, at pati na rin sa kalusugan para sa mga Malabueño," Dr. Rosete said.

DBP actively supports infrastructure development and inclusive growth, especially in priority sectors such as transportation, nature, social services, and small and medium enterprises.