Malaca±ang: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the record-breaking PHP57.87-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for 2026, aimed at accelerating the delivery of essential services at the grassroots level. The program, titled 'Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang', was formally launched in Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos addressed governors, mayors, and local government league officials at Heroes Hall, emphasizing the importance of empowering local government units (LGUs) to ensure that national progress is directly felt by communities. He stated that the initiative is based on the principle that local governments must be equipped to meet the needs of the people.
Marcos highlighted the crucial role of local chief executives, noting that they are at the frontline of governance and are the first to encounter problems and grievances within their communities. He emphasized that change begins with these local leaders, who are most familiar with the true conditions in their areas.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act has increased the LGSF by PHP34.87 billion, bringing its total allocation to PHP57.872 billion, marking the highest amount in its history. Marcos acknowledged that the previous demand-driven system sometimes resulted in delays, particularly affecting small and remote LGUs. However, reforms have been introduced to streamline procedures and ensure quicker fund releases, following consultations with local government leagues.
Among the priority programs funded under the LGSF is a rice assistance initiative, which will provide over five million Filipino families with 60 kilos of rice annually, or 10 kilos per month for six months. The fund will also support various infrastructure projects, including the construction of hospitals, health stations, climate-resilient evacuation centers, farm-to-market roads, water systems, and electrification projects.
Marcos also mentioned that approximately PHP1.19 trillion in National Tax Allotment has been released to LGUs this year, which is over 15 percent higher than in 2025, further bolstering local fiscal capacity.
