Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with leaders of local government leagues to strengthen coordination on the timely, transparent, and accountable use of funds under the 2026 national budget.

In a statement on Wednesday, Recto said the meeting carries out President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive “to truly make local government units (LGUs) not as mere recipients but active partners in utilizing the country’s financial resources.”

The recently signed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2026 provides PHP 1.4 trillion in downloadable funds for provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays, covering internal revenue allotments, local infrastructure support, and special purpose funds.

One of the funds significantly increased by Congress is the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which now totals PHP 57.87 billion.

The LGSF finances priority local projects such as roads, evacuation centers, health facilities, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Recto said discussions focused on rules-based fund utilization, aligning national development priorities with local needs, and ensuring that projects deliver verifiable and measurable social benefits.

The consultation brought together key local government leaders, including Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) National President and League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) National Chairman Governor Dakila Carlo Cua; LPP President Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.; League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) National President Mayor Francis Zamora; League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) President Mayor Faustino Dy V; and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy.

Also present were Department of Budget and Management (DBM) officials led by Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo, along with Assistant Secretaries Ryan Lita and Angel Magtalas, underscoring tighter coordination on budget releases and compliance.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos attended the meeting, reflecting the administration’s push to ensure legislative intent and local execution are aligned.

Recto said continued engagement with LGUs is critical to translating the 2026 budget into tangible programs and services at the community level. (PNA)