Abalos vows to pursue dialogues with LGUs
DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. vows to pursue continuous dialogues with all leagues of local governments to attain the middle ground on full devolution as he congratulates the new elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) following the successful conduct of their elections recently.
“We must persistently listen to the clamor of the local government units (LGUs) and create a safe space for them to air out their sentiments, especially on matters of full devolution, because this is a big responsibility on their part. Hindi ito isang bagay na dapat apurahin na hindi natin nasisigurado kung handa na ba sila dito. Kailangan talagang mag-usqp-usap muna,” Abalos said.
“This is our commitment to the LPP and the rest of the local officials of the country. Makikinig po kami sa inyo,” he added.
Abalos said the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos, Jr. is a government that listens and actively seeks consultations and dialogues with various stakeholders on issues that affect them.
“The President was a former governor so he knows the issues surrounding LGUs just as he also values constant dialogues with different sectors to strike a balance and find the best solutions to the challenges being encountered on the ground. This is why he wants more in-depth discussions on full devolution,” he said.
In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said that his administration is “having discussions with local government leaders in LGUs to determine what exactly is practicable on what functions belong to the LGUs and the national government.”
Meanwhile, Abalos further said the new LPP officers expressed their full support for the resumption of face-to-face classes spearheaded by Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sarah Z. Duterte. He said the LPP will likewise pass a resolution on the matter.
“Salamat sa LPP sa kanilang pakikiisa sa layon ng ating pamahalaan na maibalik ang ating mga mag-aaral sa paaralan. It’s about time and with the unity of all levels of government and leadership of our Vice President, kakayanin po natin ito,” he said.
The DILG Secretary congratulated the new set of LPP officers prodding them to be active partners of the government in “serving the Filipino people in the truest essence of the word.”
He urged the new officials of LPP to work hand-in-hand with the government to attain the collective goal of improving people’s lives and dedicate service that will not only to benefit the organization but the majority of their countrymen.
“Congratulations to the new officers of LPP. It is my hope that you serve the Filipino people in the truest essence of the word and integrate in your plans and programs initiatives that will benefit the people and the provincial governments in the country,” Abalos said.
The new officers of LPP is led by its President, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.; Quirino Governor Dakila Cua as the Chairman; Tarlac Governor Susan Yap as Executive vice president; Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III as Vice president for North Luzon; Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor as Vice president for South Luzon; Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores as Vice president for the Visayas; Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo as Vice president for Mindanao; Camiguin Governor XJ Romualdo as Secretary-general.
