Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar said on Saturday (July 31) that the national government continues to recognize the views of the local governments, especially on its focus areas of illegal drugs, peace and order, COVID-19 response, and the Build, Build, Build program.
During an episode of the Cabinet Report, the PCOO chief assured that the national government will continue to reach out to those local government units (LGUs) outside Metro Manila.
“Tapos na ang SONA [State of the Nation Address],” Andanar said. “Now, it’s back to work. Patuloy tayo sa pagtatrabaho tungo są progreso – habang, siyempre, sabay-sabay pa rin nating pinag-iingatan ang banta ng pandemya.”
“Kayo’y makaka-asa na patuloy pa rin ang ating adbokasiyang pagbibigay ng boses sa mga munisipyo, lungsod, lalawigan, at rehiyon, lalo na ‘yung mga nasa labas ng NCR, na madalas, dahil sa kalayuan nila sa mga media centers natin, ay di nabibigyan ng pansin. Patuloy pa rin ang ating adbokasiyang bigyan ng kahalagahan ang lokal na pananaw,” he added.
During the program, Andanar interviewed some LGU heads to discuss the programs that they expect the Duterte administration to continue in its final term, and seek their views on the programs and projects of the national government in their locality.
For Quirino Gov. Dax Cua, the campaign against illegal drugs has sent waves of positive change throughout his province.
“Inaasahan ko na hindi yan magwi-waver, na that would be strong until the end of his administration,” Cua said. “It has achieved great strides in our community, and different provinces including Quirino province, and magiging sayang ‘yung gains para sa ating future na mga kabataan.”
For the provinces of Capiz and Agusan del Norte, the national government’s proactive response against the impacts of the pandemic is a testimony to the genuine concern of the administration for the people.
“Without the national government’s assistance, mahihirapan po kami,” Capiz Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras said. “Maliit lang ang probinsya and we owe it to the national government na nakaya namin. At hanggang ngayon, ramdam pa rin namin ang mga tulong. Kami dito sa local government, hindi nakakalimot sa mga tulong ng administrasyong Duterte.” (PCOO) – jlo
