By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has assured city and municipal councilors that Malacañang remains open to all local officials, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to listening to grassroots concerns and translating them into concrete government action.
Abalos said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expects national and local governments to work hand in hand in addressing the needs of communities.
“Malacañang is always open to everyone. My office is always open to everyone,” Abalos said at the 2026 Second Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) in Iloilo City on Wednesday.
“Marami pa tayong gagawin. Makikinig kami sa inyo. At ang mahalaga, may gawa kami, may aksyon kaming gagawin (We still have much to do. We will listen to you. More importantly, we will act and deliver results),” he added.
Abalos said Marcos entrusted him with the Cabinet Secretary post to ensure that the concerns of local government units (LGUs), the private sector, and the public are properly coordinated among government agencies and acted upon.
A longtime Mandaluyong mayor and former Interior chief, Abalos underscored the crucial role of local legislators in driving development, noting that effective governance begins with sound local legislation.
“Lahat ng magagandang proyekto ay nagsisimula sa ordinansa (Every worthwhile project begins with an ordinance),” he said.
Abalos encouraged councilors to adopt proven best practices from other LGUs, citing Iloilo City’s rehabilitation of the Iloilo River under Mayor Raisa Treñas as an example of how sustained leadership and sound policymaking can transform communities.
He highlighted Bataan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III’s initiative of installing solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in public gymnasiums as an example of innovation that promotes renewable energy while providing practical public services.
Abalos urged local officials to maximize the use of the eGov PH App, the administration’s flagship digital government platform, to make public services faster, more efficient, and more accessible.
The CLLEP gathers local legislators from across the country to strengthen their legislative capabilities and promote the exchange of governance best practices among local government units. (PNA)
