Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos. Photo from the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos said Malacañang would remain open to local officials regardless of political affiliation as the Marcos administration pushed for closer coordination with communities.
Addressing members of the Philippine Councilors League in Iloilo City on Wednesday, Abalos said city and municipal leaders could bring their concerns directly to his office.
He said the administration would listen to local officials and work across agencies to turn their concerns into concrete action.
Abalos said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had tasked him with helping coordinate issues raised by local governments, the private sector and the public.
He also highlighted the role of councilors in driving development, saying effective local legislation provided the foundation for lasting programs and reforms.
Abalos urged local legislators to adopt proven initiatives from other areas, citing Iloilo City’s rehabilitation of the Iloilo River as an example of sustained policy and leadership.
He also pointed to Bataan’s solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in public gymnasiums as a model for combining public service with renewable energy goals.
Abalos encouraged local governments to maximize the eGov PH app to make government transactions faster, more efficient and more accessible to residents.
