President Marcos has underscored the importance of local government units (LGUs) in the country's development, saying they help national government programs reach Filipinos even in far-flung areas.

Marcos said this as he led the proclamation rally of Team Marcos in Laoag City on Friday evening, March 28.

In his speech, the President mentioned different government initiatives, such as getting foreign investments, but it would be hard to bring them to different parts of the country without the help of LGUs.

"Lahat po ng proyekto ng National Government, kung hindi po maganda ang ugnayan ng National Government at tsaka ng Local Government, napakahirap po (All projects of the National Government, if the relationship between the National Government and the Local Government is not good, it becomes very difficult)," he said.

According to the President, the local governments amplify the national government's limited reach.

"Yung ibang ahensiya namin hanggang region lamang. Yung ibang ahensiya namin, yung iba hanggang probinsya lamang (Some of our agencies can only reach regions, some can only reach provinces)," he said.

"Kaya't kailangan na kailangan pa rin naman ang tulong ng ating mga local government (That's why we really need our LGUs)," he added.

In his speech, the President asked the public to vote for the Team Marcos slate, which included his son, Congressman Sandro Marcos, saying their ability to get in touch with him directly ensures that government programs would reach Ilocos Norte.

"Ang mga nakaupo po dito sa entabladong ito, kaya pong kumuha ng telepono at tawagan ako. Ganoon kalapit ang aming pagsasama. Ganoon kalapit ang aming pag-uugnay para pagandahin ang Ilocos Norte (Those seated here on this stage can pick up their phones and call me. That's how close we are. That's how closely we work together to improve Ilocos Norte)," he said.

"Hindi lamang sila ang magiging kakampi ninyo, ang magiging kakampi natin ay ang buong National Government na pinangungunahan ng inyong Pangulo (They are not your only allies, but also the National Government led by your President)," he added.

Local candidates kicked off their campaigns on Friday. Malacañang has reminded poll contenders to uphold the law as they seek their way to public office.

"Kayo po yung magsisilbing leader, eh. So dapat kayo po yung mangunguna na sumusunod sa batas (You are acting as leaders so you should be the first to follow the law)," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer likewise emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric during political activities.

"Ang nais lamang po natin ay maging mahinahon sa kanilang pangangampanya, maging maayos, maging makatotohanang sa kanilang mga sasabihin (We want them to be calm in their campaigning, to be orderly, and to be truthful in their statements)," she said.

Meanwhile, Castro appealed to members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remain apolitical.

"Tandaan nila na ang kanilang trabaho ay manatiling loyal sa bansa, loyal sa Konstitusyon (They should remember that their job is to remain loyal to the country and the Constitution)," she said.