Recto rallies LGUs for 2026 budget rollout

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto met with leaders of various local government leagues to reinforce coordination on the proper, timely, and accountable use of funds allocated under the 2026 national budget.

In a statement last week, Recto said the dialogue was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive “to truly make local government units (LGUs) not as mere recipients but active partners in utilizing the country’s financial resources.”

Under the recently enacted 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), LGUs stand to receive about ₱1.4 trillion in downloadable funds, covering internal revenue allotments, local infrastructure assistance, and other special-purpose allocations.

Recto noted that Congress significantly boosted the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which now stands at ₱57.87 billion. The fund supports priority projects at the local level, including roads, evacuation centers, health facilities, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

According to Recto, discussions centered on rules-based fund utilization, aligning national priorities with on-the-ground needs, and ensuring that projects yield measurable and verifiable benefits for communities.

The meeting was attended by key local government leaders, among them Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) National President and League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) National Chairman Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua; LPP President Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.; League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) National President Mayor Francis Zamora; League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) President Mayor Faustino Dy V; and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy.

Officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo and Assistant Secretaries Ryan Lita and Angel Magtalas, also took part, highlighting closer coordination on budget releases and compliance requirements.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos likewise attended the meeting, reflecting the administration’s effort to ensure that legislative intent and local-level implementation remain aligned.

Recto emphasized that sustained engagement with LGUs is essential to translating the 2026 budget into concrete programs and services that directly benefit communities nationwide