Marcos to local chief executives: Step up during challenging times

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local government executives to step up during challenging times as he highlighted the role of local government units in times of calamities.

Marcos made the call as the country, particularly Luzon, has been grappling with the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. 

''It is important that we recognize — because this is exactly — that we are recognizing you for. For your compassion that you have shown to our people in the different programs that you have initiated, which are very much --- very innovative and as they say, demonstrate out of the box thinking,'' Marcos said in his speech during the 2024 Galing Pook Awards.

''And in these challenging times, our country needs leaders, innovators, and true public servants to step forward and to lead the change — change that we will help us create a more resilient and better future for our children,'' he added.

In a situational briefing after the event, the President reminded all government officials to consider the struggles of those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine when they feel like giving up on the challenges brought by the disaster.

“Just remember there are people still in water right now, they are still flooded. They’re walking around in water up to their waist. They have no water supply, they have no food, they have no place to stay. So, if you think you are tired, think about what their condition is,” he said

“So, let’s keep that always in mind,” he added.

Marcos asked Cabinet members and officials of all relevant government agencies to keep him updated on the storm’s effects.

The Galing Pook Foundation hailed ten exemplary local governance programs in 2024 during an awards ceremony held at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace.

Marcos lauded the achievements of local government units, recognizing the impact of their efforts in the vital sectors of their community.

''I am very proud of what you have accomplished. And so should you be. You did not wait for solutions to come from the national level; you took the initiative and handled it effectively,'' he said.

The ten outstanding programs reflect a diverse range of initiatives, from environmental sustainability and child protection to education and inclusive economic growth. 

These programs have shown that local governments can be key drivers of change in their communities when they prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation.

The winners of the 2024 Galing Pook Awards include:

• Balanga Community-based Ecotourism Zone (Balanga City, Bataan): A model for sustainable ecotourism, combining environmental conservation with local economic development; 
• Breathing Life into the Ayta Magbukun: A Collaborative Initiative for Language Restoration in Bataan (Bataan Province): A cultural preservation initiative that restores and revitalizes the Ayta Magbukun language, strengthening indigenous identity and heritage;
• Project Teaching Opportunities Prioritizing Illiteracy (Cabagan, Isabela): An education program aimed at eradicating illiteracy through tailored learning interventions, with a focus on marginalized and disadvantaged populations;
• Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology: The First Local College in Davao Region (Kapalong, Davao del Norte): Pioneering access to higher education in agriculture and sciences for underserved communities, bridging education and economic opportunity in rural areas;
• Saving Kan: A Love Story In Ormoc Bay (Marine Mammal and Reptile Rehabilitation Center) (Ormoc City): An innovative rehabilitation center that protects and restores marine biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of marine life in sustaining coastal ecosystems; 
• Pag-asa sa Bagong Bahay (Pandi, Bulacan): A housing program that not only provides shelter but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among its beneficiaries; 
• Puerto Galera Waste Water Management (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro): A comprehensive approach to addressing wastewater management challenges in a tourist-heavy destination, safeguarding both public health and environmental sustainability; 
• Quezon City Birth Registration Online (QC BRO) (Quezon City): A groundbreaking digital solution providing efficient, accessible, and secure birth registration services to ensure that every child's right to identity is fulfilled; 
• Ating Dibdibin Program (Taguig City): A health initiative offering comprehensive breast cancer screening and care, ensuring that women receive the support and treatment they need in a timely manner; and
• Safe Spaces and Safeguarding Children: Strengthening LGU-led Community-Based Child Protection in Valenzuela City (Valenzuela City): A comprehensive child protection program that addresses child abuse, exploitation, and violence, promoting a culture of safeguarding the most vulnerable.

In a separate press release, Taguig City said its Ating Dibdibin Program was a community-based initiative focused on early detection and treatment of breast cancer. It has been institutionalized through local ordinances and employs a patient navigation system, which has become a model for other local government units.

''We believe every breast cancer patient deserves a second chance at life. Every home deserves a happy, healthy mother, sister, or daughter. We continue to intensify our efforts to keep families together. Ating Dibdibin ang laban sa breast cancer,” Mayor Lani Cayetano said.

She said the program has helped increase Taguig’s breast cancer screening rate to 8.48%, nearly quadrupling the national average of 2.3%.

Further, it has contributed to a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality in the city, cutting the rate to 17%, compared to the national average of 36%.—AOL, GMA Integrated News