The devolution of certain functions of the executive branch to the local government units (LGUs) is vital in achieving prosperity in the Philippines, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Wednesday.

This, as she stressed the significance of advancing the government’s vision for stronger local governance during a stakeholder engagement and consultation for the integration of the national government and LGUs’ agenda in Cebu City.

“As a former local chief executive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. understands the importance of citizens and LGUs in national development. One key solution to achieving our Agenda for Prosperity is devolution. The concept empowers our local government units to have the resources, autonomy, and capability to serve their communities effectively,” Pangandaman said.

“Prosperity is not the work of one, but the effort of many. It is built through collaboration, shared responsibility, and a united vision for progress,” she added.

The stakeholder consultation and engagement forum served as a crucial platform for LGUs, civil society organizations, local planning and development coordinators (LPDCs), and national government representatives to enhance collaboration, align national and local priorities, and advance participatory governance.

The event is one of the DBM’s capacity development initiatives to promote participatory governance and evidence-based policymaking.

The DBM aims to foster closer collaboration between national and local governments to ensure that public service delivery is more inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of communities under the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) governance framework.

Through interactive sessions, participants raised critical challenges such as waste management, senior citizen support, agricultural and fisheries development, teenage pregnancy prevention, and local political coordination.

Pangandaman cited relevant laws and programs designed to provide solutions and support for local government units, adding that the DBM is committed to integrating stakeholders’ insights into national planning by making sure that LGUs and other key players’ concerns are reflected in upcoming budgetary decisions.

“We take note of your concerns. Kung maidadagdag ko lang po, we’re in the process of working on our 2026 National Budget,” she said.

Pangandaman said the Local Government Support Fund is also available to help LGUs establish Materials Recovery Facilities for efficient waste management and implement agriculture-related projects.

She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in funding large-scale infrastructure projects, such as sanitary landfills.

Pangandaman also suggested engaging the Department of Agriculture and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to provide financial education for farmers and fisherfolk.

“As we move forward, let us remember that governance is not just about policies on paper, but about real, meaningful change in the lives of our people,” she said.

“Sa tamang pagpapatupad ng devolution at pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng ating mga local government units, civil society organizations, at LPDC members, gusto nating maging maunlad, inklusibo, napapanahon, at angat ang ating bansa (By properly implementing devolution and strengthening the capabilities of our local government units, civil society organizations, and LPDC members, we want our country to be prosperous, inclusive, modern, and elevated),” she added. (PNA)