The Local Government Summit 2024, held from August 22-23 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, gathered local government leaders and key stakeholders across the country to discuss innovative approaches to governance and public service. Under the theme, “LGUs sa Bagong Pilipinas: Smart. Resilient. Driven,” the summit was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP).

The event aimed to enhance the capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs) to better address emerging challenges such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation, while ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who graced the second day of the summit, highlighted the importance of LGUs in the country’s development. “Our Local Government Units are the backbone of our nation’s progress and the bridge that connects the people to their government.

“United, we can transform our communities and uplift the lives of every Filipino,” the President stated during his speech.

The summit featured five breakout sessions on topics such as Smart Infrastructure and Design, Climate and Disaster Resiliency, Healthy and Safe Communities, Transparency, and People’sParticipation. These discussions allowed local leaders and stakeholders to share best practices, promote collaboration, and explore innovations in governance and service delivery.

The City Government of Malolos was proudly represented by its delegation led by Mayor Atty. Christian D. Natividad represented by Administrative Offiver IV, Rommel Santiago. The delegation included key personnel from various offices in the city, including Mrs. Lolita SP. Santos of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Engr. Eugene Cruz of the City Planning and Development Office, Mr. Cristopher Dayao, CSO Desk Officer, Ms. Julie Ann Joy Lopez, City Statistician, Engr. Ricasol Millan of the City Engineering Office, Ms. Katrina Pia Pedro from the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division, Mr. Joemari S. Caluag from the Population Welfare Division and PCPT Christopher F. Magallanes from Malolos City Police Station.

Mayor Atty. Christian D. Natividad’s Response:

“The Local Government Summit 2024 was an invaluable opportunity for Malolos City to deepen

our understanding of modern governance strategies and strengthen our role in the new Philippines. As local leaders, we are at the forefront of implementing national policies and ensuring that they reach our communities effectively. The exchange of ideas, particularly on smart and resilient governance, has equipped our delegation with new insights that we will bring back to Malolos. Our goal is to build a city that is not only adaptive to changes but also forwardthinking in our approaches to public service.

We commend the DILG and ULAP for organizing this summit, and we look forward to working

hand-in-hand with the national government and fellow LGUs to push forward the vision of a more

connected, resilient, and driven nation. Malolos City remains committed to ensuring that we continuously improve our services and respond to the needs of our people with efficiency, transparency, and innovation.”

The summit concluded on a high note, with

participants leaving inspired and empowered to driveprogress and resilience within their respective communities. The event underscored the criticalrole of local governments in the country’s ongoing jou-

rney towards sustainable development and transformation.

(credits to A. Cruz/Population Welfare Division)