MANILA — Roxas City Mayor Atty. Ronnie Dadivas was among the local chief executives invited to Malacañang on Monday for the launching of the program “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang”, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The initiative aims to strengthen support for local government units (LGUs) through the accelerated rollout of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which finances priority development projects across communities nationwide.
During the event, President Marcos highlighted the impact of LGSF funded projects in delivering immediate assistance and development to the public. He cited examples such as the concreting of farm to market roads in Barangay Putlan, Nueva Ecija, and the construction of a school building at Camuning Elementary School in Camarines Sur.
The President also announced that the government increased the LGSF allocation by more than ₱34 billion for 2026, bringing the total fund to nearly ₱58 billion, the highest allocation in the history of the program.
Under the initiative, LGUs are allowed to directly request funding for projects and programs that address the specific needs of their respective communities.
“Bilang local chief executives, kayo ang unang nakakaramdam ng problema at unang nakakarinig ng mga hinaing,” President Marcos said, stressing the vital role of local leaders in identifying community concerns and driving development at the grassroots level.
Among the other officials present at the Palace event were Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The gathering also marked a rare reunion among Marcos, Moreno, and Robredo, former rivals in the 2022 presidential elections, who were seen posing for photos together after the program.
Mayor Dadivas’ attendance underscores Roxas City’s continued engagement with national government initiatives aimed at strengthening local development and improving public service delivery.
