TACLOBAN CITY-Local government leaders in the Visayas have voiced their strong support for the appointment of Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
They expressed confidence that Remulla’s extensive experience as an exceptional local chief executive will significantly strengthen collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and the national government.
“We welcome and support the appointment of Governor Remulla as DILG Secretary. We believe he will bring his wealth of experience as an outstanding local chief executive to the DILG and foster stronger ties between LGUs and the national government in implementing programs at the grassroots level,” the leaders said in a statement issued on Tuesday, Oct.8, released by Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone.
Aside from Evardone, those who signed the manifesto of support were Governors Carlos Jericho Petilla(Leyte), Edwin Ongchuan(Northern Samar), Aris Aumentado (Bohol), Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte and Joen Miraflores of Aklan as well as Mayors Lucy Torres Gomez of Ormoc City, Leyte, and Jose Ivan Dayan Agda of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
Remulla replaces Benhur Abalos who filed his certificate of candidacy for senator for the upcoming summer elections.
With both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Remulla having served as top local officials, they are optimistic that LGU development will remain a central focus of the current administration.
“We are assured that with the combined leadership of President Marcos and Secretary Remulla, the growth and development of LGUs will be a top priority,” they added.
The local officials also pledged their “unconditional support” to the policies and programs of the Marcos administration, particularly those aimed at bolstering LGUs.
“We commit our full, unconditional support to the administration’s policies and programs for the LGUs, in particular, and the whole country, in general. We will be a strong development partner of President Marcos and Secretary Remulla.”
The local leaders said that Remulla’s appointment is expected to build on his track record as Cavite’s governor, where his leadership brought about significant reforms and initiatives benefiting his constituents.
His transition to DILG Secretary is seen as a crucial step in further strengthening local governance and ensuring that national policies are implemented effectively at the local level. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
