Pres. Bongbong Marcos Gives Message for Local Chief Executives
BONGBONG MARCOS – The President called on the local leaders to step up during the challenging times and “lead the change”.
The Philippines is currently grappling with the impacts of Tropical Storm Kristine. It brought heavy rains and strong winds in several areas in the country particularly in Luzon. The storm left Naga City in Bicol severly flooded that the floodwater even entered a shopping mall.
Amid the huge challenge that the Philippines is facing now, Pres. Bongbong Marcos called on the local government leaders to step up during the challenging times. He made the call during his speech at the 2024 Galing Pook Awards.
Based on a report on GMA News, the Galing Pook Foundation recognized 10 exemplary local governance programs in 2024 during the ceremonial event held at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace. In his speech, the Chief Executive stressed the important of recognizing the compassion that the local leaders have shown the people.
“It is important that we recognize — because this is exactly — that we are recognizing you for. For your compassion that you have shown to our people in the different programs,” the Chief Executive said.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos regarded the local government programs as “innovative” and showing “out of the box thinking”. Based on the report, the Chief Executive called on the LGU leaders to lead the change.
“In these challenging times, our country needs leaders, innovators, and true public servants to step forward and to lead the change — change that we will help us create a more resilient and better future for our children,” Marcos said.
Based on the report, Pres. Bongbong Marcos expressed his pride on the accomplishments of the local government units. According to him, the LGUs did not wait for solutions from the national level but took the initiative to handle the situation. Here are the 10 winners of the 2025 Galing Pook Awards:
- Breathing Life into the Ayta Magbukun: A Collaborative Initiative for Language Restoration in Bataan (Bataan Province): A cultural preservation initiative that restores and revitalizes the Ayta Magbukun language, strengthening indigenous identity and heritage;
- Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology: The First Local College in Davao Region (Kapalong, Davao del Norte): Pioneering access to higher education in agriculture and sciences for underserved communities, bridging education and economic opportunity in rural areas;
- Pag-asa sa Bagong Bahay (Pandi, Bulacan): A housing program that not only provides shelter but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among its beneficiaries;
- Quezon City Birth Registration Online (QC BRO) (Quezon City): A groundbreaking digital solution providing efficient, accessible, and secure birth registration services to ensure that every child’s right to identity is fulfilled;
- Safe Spaces and Safeguarding Children: Strengthening LGU-led Community-Based Child Protection in Valenzuela City (Valenzuela City): A comprehensive child protection program that addresses child abuse, exploitation, and violence, promoting a culture of safeguarding the most vulnerable;
- Ating Dibdibin Program (Taguig City): A health initiative offering comprehensive breast cancer screening and care, ensuring that women receive the support and treatment they need in a timely manner;
- Puerto Galera Waste Water Management (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro): A comprehensive approach to addressing wastewater management challenges in a tourist-heavy destination, safeguarding both public health and environmental sustainability;
- Saving Kan: A Love Story In Ormoc Bay (Marine Mammal and Reptile Rehabilitation Center) (Ormoc City): An innovative rehabilitation center that protects and restores marine biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of marine life in sustaining coastal ecosystems;
- Project Teaching Opportunities Prioritizing Illiteracy (Cabagan, Isabela): An education program aimed at eradicating illiteracy through tailored learning interventions, with a focus on marginalized and disadvantaged populations; and
- Balanga Community-based Ecotourism Zone (Balanga City, Bataan): A model for sustainable ecotourism, combining environmental conservation with local economic development