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With the backing of Pres. Marcos
TACLOBAN CITY-Eastern Samar Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone has called for stronger collaboration between the national government and local government units (LGUs), highlighting the role of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) in ensuring national programs reach communities more effectively.
In a statement on February 23, Evardone praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to engage LGUs, describing local governments as the “frontliners of public service.”
He noted that while many programs are designed at the national level, their implementation ultimately depends on provincial, city, and municipal governments.
“Even when programs are national in scope, once they are coursed through the LGU, it is the LGU—not the national government—that carries the responsibility of implementation on the ground,” Evardone said.
The governor specifically cited the LGSF, which provides additional funding to help LGUs address urgent development needs and implement priority projects. He said this support allows local leaders to tailor national initiatives to the real conditions and priorities of their communities.
“With the President’s support through the Local Government Support Fund, I hope the impact will be more directly felt by our people,” he said, stressing that effective governance “ultimately happens locally.”
Under the Philippines’ devolved governance system, LGUs handle key services such as health care, social welfare, infrastructure, disaster response, and agricultural support.
Evardone emphasized that local leaders are best positioned to determine which projects are most urgent—whether road repairs, health facilities, livelihood programs, or disaster resilience measures—especially in typhoon-prone Eastern Samar.
He also expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would pave the way for more joint programs between LGUs and the Office of the President, while reaffirming his support for the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
“Now that we are being strengthened through additional funding to help address local challenges, I hope this marks the beginning of even more partnership programs,” Evardone said.
JOEY A.GABIETA
