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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Malacañang always open to LGU concerns—Abalos

Malacañang always open to LGU concerns—Abalos

Published Jul 30, 2026 08:06 am

At A Glance

  • Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos said Malacañang remains open to the concerns of local government officials under the Marcos administration.
  • Abalos said President Marcos tasked him with ensuring local government concerns are coordinated across agencies and translated into government action.
  • He urged local legislators to replicate successful governance initiatives and maximize the use of the eGov PH App.
Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos speaks at the 2026 Second Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program in Iloilo City on July 29, 2026. (Office of the Cabinet Secretary)
Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos speaks at the 2026 Second Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program in Iloilo City on July 29, 2026. (Office of the Cabinet Secretary)

Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos has assured city and municipal councilors that Malacañang remains open to their concerns, saying the Marcos administration is committed to working closely with local governments in addressing the needs of their communities.

Speaking during the 2026 Second Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program in Iloilo City, Abalos said the Palace would remain accessible to local officials.

"Malacañang is always open to everyone. My office is always open to everyone," he said on Wednesday, July 29.

Abalos assured local officials that the Marcos administration is ready to listen to their concerns.

"Marami pa tayong gagawin. Makikinig kami sa inyo (We still have much to do. We will listen to you),” he said.

“At ang mahalaga, may gawa kami, may aksyon kaming gagawin (Most importantly, we will deliver and take action),” he added.

Abalos said President Marcos appointed him Cabinet Secretary to ensure that concerns raised by local governments, the private sector, and the public are heard, coordinated among government agencies, and translated into concrete action.

Local programs

The Palace official also underscored the role of city and municipal councilors in driving development through local legislation.

"Lahat ng magagandang proyekto ay nagsisimula sa ordinansa (All good projects begin with an ordinance),” he said.

Abalos encouraged local legislators to adopt successful programs implemented by other local government units, citing Iloilo City's rehabilitation of the Iloilo River under Mayor Raisa Treñas as an example of how sound policies and sustained leadership can transform communities.

He also pointed to Bataan Governor Jose Enrique "Joet" Garcia's installation of solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in gymnasiums as an innovative initiative that promotes renewable energy while providing public services.

The Cabinet Secretary likewise urged local officials to maximize the government's eGov PH App, saying the digital platform launched under the Marcos administration is intended to make government services faster, more efficient, and more accessible to the public.

Related Tags

Benhur Abalos Cabinet Secretary eGovPH LGUs Malacañang
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