LA UNION, Philippines — Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega sets his eyes on the efficient eventual implementation of the initiative of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang,” launched in Malacañang on February 23, 2026.

Gov. Mario is one of the local chief executives who attended the gathering, where the President gave his directives on strengthened implementation of services in local communities.

The program aims to elevate the national government’s support for all local government units (LGUs) by making local projects “felt immediately and equitably across every community.”

In his message to the Governors and Mayors, President Marcos said, “our local government must be empowered to respond to the needs of the people.”

As such, PBBM ordered the increase in the allocation for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the national government’s funding assistance to LGUs for a wide range of local projects.

“We thank the President for this very meaningful initiative. He was once a Governor himself, that’s why he knows very well what the needs of the LGUs are,” Gov. Mario said.

“I have full confidence that the Provincial Government of La Union will efficiently localize this new program. Our systems are in place to ensure that this help from the national government will directly respond to the needs of our local communities,” the Governor said.

The LGSF serves as a bridge between the national government and local communities, funding numerous projects that have improved the lives of constituents.