Marcos to mayors: Reflect on what you've done in public service

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday asked local chief executives to reflect on the work that they have done when it comes to public service.

Marcos made the call as he graced the end-term general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at The Manila Hotel. The President said he trusts mayors that they will continue to push for public service even if they change their paths.

''Sa dulo ng ating panunungkulan, isang tanong lamang ang mahalaga: Mas maginhawa ba ang buhay ng mga Pilipino dahil sa ating mga ginawa? Kung ang sagot ninyo ay oo, alam natin nagampanan natin ang ating tungkulin,'' Marcos said in his speech.

(At the end of your term, there's only one important question: Are the lives of Filipinos better because of what we have done? If your answer is yes, we know that we have fulfilled our mandate.)

''So as this term comes to a close, I encourage you to reflect on the work that you have done. And whatever path you choose after this—whether you seek another mandate or move on to a new chapter in your lives—I trust that you will embrace the same grit, passion, and commitment to service,'' he added.

Marcos, who also served in the local government at the beginning of his political career, stressed that municipal mayors could be considered as the frontlines of governance.

''You are the first to hear the concerns of our people, the first to act on their needs, and the first to bear the weight of their expectations,'' the President said.

''Your initiatives are anchored in the realities on the ground. You understand the strengths and limitations of your towns, and you design programs that directly respond to the needs of your constituents. A testament to this is the progress that we have made in local governance,'' he added.

Marcos said he wants to forge ''a legacy of leadership not only measured by words, but by livelihoods created, by lives improved, by dreams that have been realized.''

''A legacy that will uplift our people today and empower our nation for many, many generations to come,'' he said.

This year’s assembly continues the organization’s mission to equip local executives with the tools and policies needed to drive long-term, community-driven development.

The LMP looks forward to productive discussions, strengthened partnerships, and a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future.

In a separate press release, LMP national president and La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Bernos, “this assembly is about empowering our mayors with innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and governance best practices.”

Bernos said the highlights of the event include the graduation ceremony for some mayors as part of honoring their service and leadership; panel discussions on climate resilience, urbanization, public-private partnerships, and citizen engagement; and workshops on governance innovation, sustainability initiatives, and funding opportunities.

He said the event would also foster collaboration among mayors, national leaders, and private sector partners to build resilient and progressive municipalities. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News