KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. welcomed the expanded Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), calling it a vital partnership between the national government and local government units (LGUs) in accelerating grassroots development.
During an interview on Monday, February 23, at Malacañang Palace, where the program “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” was launched, Tamayo underscored that the initiative enhances decentralization by allowing funds to be directly allocated to LGUs.
According to the governor, this approach enables local leaders to respond more quickly and effectively to their communities’ needs.
“Ngayong meron nang talagang ibinababa ang national government, dini-decentralize na nila ang pondo papunta sa mga local government units. Tuwang-tuwa ang ating mga local chief executives dahil sa pamamagitan nito ay talagang mararamdaman ng taumbayan na ang pondo ay direktang bumababa sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan,” Tamayo said.
Tamayo believed that the ₱57.87-billion allocation for 2026 will empower provinces to carry out priority projects without depending solely on their National Tax Allotment (NTA).
He also mentioned that this funding mechanism makes sure resources reach communities more directly, allowing LGUs to create programs and services that match local needs.
In South Cotabato, Tamayo stated the province plans to use the funds to improve rice accessibility in alignment with national directives, while also supporting major infrastructure projects. These include road paving in puroks and sitios, as well as water systems and energy facility development aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
The governor voiced optimism that the expanded LGSF will further promote collaboration between national and local governments and provide more responsive public services at the community level.
