President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged on Friday to increase funding for local government units (LGUs) in the next national budget, provided that the positive results of current government assistance programs continue nationwide.
Marcos made the promise while leading the launch of key community and development initiatives under the program “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” at the Batangas Province Events Center in Batangas City.
“We will continue doing this, and I tell you all, do not think this is a one-time thing. But I also challenge you, our government officials, our local governments, to do well in implementing these programs,” the President said.
He added that if the results are good, the government may increase funding for such projects in the next budget.
Marcos emphasized that the success of government programs depends on strong cooperation between the national government and LGUs. He said additional funds will be provided to expand their reach.
During the event, Marcos led the distribution of rice subsidies to qualified beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, and teachers. Each received 10 kilograms of rice for six times this year to ease the burden of rising food prices. Over 235,000 Batangueños are expected to benefit.
Marcos also led the release of P200,000 in financial assistance to each of the 1,078 barangays in Batangas through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).
The assistance is divided into two parts: P100,000 for capital outlay projects such as patrol vehicles, equipment, tents, and installation of CCTV and streetlights, and another P100,000 for educational assistance, where each barangay will support five deserving presidential scholars receiving P20,000 each.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto clarified that the assistance is part of a national program and not limited to Batangas. He said the administration rejects color-coded politics or politicking in the delivery of services.
Recto revealed that nearly P1.4 trillion has been allocated for LGUs in 2026, including over P57 billion under the LGSF. He assured that a formula is followed in distributing funds to ensure no leakage and to guarantee transparency. According to government data, as of April 16, about P15 billion has been released nationwide under the LGSF.
