BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto stressed the importance of people-centered governance in building more livable, inclusive and sustainable cities during a leadership forum organized by San Miguel Corporation on October 30, 2026 in Metro Manila.
Both mayors, who serve as convenors of Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), shared their experiences and perspectives on urban development during the corporation’s Better World Leadership Series, which featured a discussion titled “Building Better Cities.”
Mayor Magalong highlighted the importance of participatory governance, emphasizing that citizens should not be treated merely as recipients of government services but as active partners in shaping and improving their communities.
He pointed out that building better cities requires good governance, shared responsibility and a commitment to putting people first.
The discussion also underscored the need to develop cities that are not only livable and inclusive but also sustainable and prepared to meet future challenges.
Through their participation, the chief executives reiterated the role of local leadership and citizen involvement in advancing responsive governance and creating communities that serve the needs of their people.
The Better World Leadership Series is an ongoing initiative by SMC designed to bridge the corporate sector, community leaders, and local governments to foster dialogue on business, social impact, and national development.
“LEADERS’ FAILURES MUST NOT DETERMINE FATE OF YOUNG FILIPINOS”
Magalong has called for honest, efficient and gender-sensitive public service, saying the failures of government leaders should not be allowed to compromise the future of the country’s youth.
“We will not let the failures of our leaders determine the fate of our young people,” he said during the Angat sa Serbisyo Gender and Development Seminar organized by the local government of Floridablanca, Pampanga, led by Mayor Michael Galang, held in the Summer Capital.
Mayor Magalong stressed the need to strengthen integrity and accountability in public service amid the continuing fight against corruption, warning that young people should not bear the consequences of shortcomings in governance.
He also underscored the importance of delivering efficient and gender-responsive government services to ensure that the needs of all sectors, particularly the youth, are properly addressed.
Mayor Magalong urged continued cooperation among local leaders to strengthen the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), a group advocating honest, accountable and effective public service.
He said sustained collaboration among local government leaders is essential to building a government that puts integrity and public welfare at the center of its service.(Gaby B. Keith with CMO report).
