Gov’t may increase LGU support fund – BusinessWorld Online
THE government could increase its support fund for local government units (LGUs) next year if this year’s funding proves effective, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said during his Cebu visit.
About 210,000 students in more than 42,000 barangays nationwide have benefited from the Presidential Scholars Program, Mr. Recto said in Filipino, according to a statement on Sunday.
The government also intends to continue distributing 10 kilograms of rice every two months to nearly 8 million Filipino families nationwide, he added.
The program is backed by P57.87 billion in Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) this year, which also finances roads, water systems, health facilities and multipurpose buildings.
Other assistance includes free basic education, tuition at state universities and colleges, and scholarships for medicine, science and graduate studies.
Mr. Recto said that if the LGSF proves effective this year, it could be increased in 2027.
Meanwhile, the National Tax Allotment for local governments is expected to reach P1.4 trillion in 2027, 11% higher than this year, Mr. Recto said. —Erika Mae P. Sinaking