Marcos to mayors: Growth should uplift the poor

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for harnessing the power of local government units to achieve the administration's sustainable development goals. 

As "frontliners" in the community, Marcos rallied the local executives to continue working for growth in their respective areas, which should pave the way for uplifting the lives of the poor.

''[The] national government cannot act alone. We must harness the power of LGUs, as well as civil society organizations, the private sector, and communities, towards achieving the SDGs within the committed timeline,'' Marcos said in his speech during the 2024 general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines. 

''We laud your efforts to localize the SDGs.  As municipal leaders, you are agents of positive change towards sustainable development. By promoting community participation and engaging your constituents in decision-making processes, you foster a culture of citizen empowerment and community development,'' he added. 

Marcos said municipal mayors often have a clearer lens to craft and implement programs and projects that are aligned with the SDGs to improve the quality of life of their constituents.

''In like manner must the national government place itself at the ground level to see what works. That is imperative,'' Marcos said. ''You are on the frontlines of action. You are our invaluable partners in this endeavor for sustainable growth.''

Marcos stressed that the sustainable development goals have shown the administration's commitment to solving the present problems while ensuring a better tomorrow.

''It means fueling rapid growth, which uplifts the poor and rewards productivity, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet those needs,'' Marcos said.

''It means building better and more without abusing our natural resources; preserving natural capital, such that our children can still continue to live off the interest,'' he added. —LDF, GMA Integrated News