Marcos highlights Abalos’ strong track record in governance
Senatorial candidate and former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. is warmly greeted by Tacloban city residents during an election campaign.
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. underscored the vital role of former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. in strengthening the country’s local government units.
The president lauded Abalos’ leadership and track record in public service during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Tacloban City.
Speaking at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally on Friday, Marcos recalled why he appointed Abalos as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
He said Abalos’ experience and deep understanding of local government made him the best choice for the post.
“Noong pag-upo ko po ay iniisip ko sino ba talaga ang nakakaunawa sa mga problema, sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga local government,” Marcos said.
(When I assumed office, I thought about who really understands the problems and needs of our local governments.)
“Kahit national government tayo, kapag hindi maganda ang ugnayan ng local government at saka ng national government, hindi po kaya. Hindi po mailalabas ang mga programa agaran,” the chief executive noted.
(Even if we are in national government, if the relations between the local government and the national government is not good, it cannot be done. The programs will not be immediately launched.)
Marcos said Abalos’ performance as mayor of Mandaluyong City was a key factor in his appointment to the DILG.
“Sabi ko, ‘balitang-balita, may magaling na mayor sa Mandaluyong City.’ Kaya po ay sabi ko, ‘kilala ko yata ‘yan kung sino ‘yan – si Mayor Benhur Abalos ng Mandaluyong City.’
(I said, ‘it is big in the news that there is a fine mayor in Mandaluyong City.’ So I said, ‘I know who that is – Mayor Benhur Abalos of Mandaluyong City.)
“Tamang-tama ‘yan. Ilagay natin siya sa DILG,” Marcos told the audience.
(That is quite correct. Let’s put him in the DILG.)
During his tenure as Mandaluyong’s chief executive, Abalos gained some national and international recognitions.
Under his watch, Mandaluyong was recognized twice as the most business-friendly city in the country by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It also received a presidential award for being the most child-friendly city and best in nutrition, among others.
Abalos put in place social programs like Project TEACH which provided free therapy, education and medical assistance to children with disabilities.
This initiative earned international recognition, receiving the United Nations Public Service Award.
His Garden of Life Park transformed an overcrowded cemetery into a well-organized and dignified public cemetery.
This project won the prestigious Galing Pook Award.
Last week, former Vice President Leni Robredo praised the Garden of Life cemetery and expressed interest to replicate it in Naga City.
As mayor, Abalos also spearheaded a comprehensive housing program that provided secure and affordable homes for approximately 8,000 families, significantly improving their quality of life.
If elected senator, Abalos aims to push for key legislative measures.
These bills include the removal of value-added tax on electricity, grant of gratuity incentives for job order employees in government, financial assistance for farmers and fisherfolk, and amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991.
He said his platform is focused on reforms that are aimed at improving public welfare.
