President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly. Photo from Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – “Finished or not finished, pass your paper,” President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday, recalling what teachers would say to force students to submit their papers.
It was the President’s attempt to convince local officials to submit their “program of works” in time.
Speaking at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines’ (LMP) general assembly at the Manila Hotel, Aquino said the government has funds allotted for reconstruction programs in typhoon-hit areas such as Region 6, 7 and 8. However, of the 271 areas, only 228 have submitted their plans of action.
He said those who have already submitted the necessary documents can rely on the Department of Interior and Local Government to release the funds ten days after.
“Ang problema ko lang ho, may 43 na hindi pa ho nagsa-submit…Kung ayaw na po ninyo ‘yong pondo, okay na din po, i-sheshare na lang natin doon sa ibang nangangailangan,” Aquino said in jest.
(The problem is there are 43 areas that have not yet submitted…If you do not want the funds, it is okay, we will just share it with others who need it.)
Aquino said those who have yet to send their documents should not complain that they are not being given assistance.
“We are calling on the 43, your program of works is still incomplete. Go through the process,” he said.
During his speech, the President enumerated the reforms implemented by his administration at the local government level. These include the Performance Challenge Fund that rewards deserving local government units (LGU) with additional budget for projects and the Seal of Good Local Governance, which aims to encourage efficiency and responsiveness of LGUs.
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