1,200 mayors vow to implement SDGs

OVER 1,200 municipal mayors have agreed to work together to implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) president, Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” of La Paz, Abra, told The Manila Times that the local chief executives gathered to ensure the implementation of the SDGs in the countryside.

Bernos said the general assembly was held last February 27 and would have its final event at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

With the theme “SDGs Localization: Pathway to Sustainable Municipal Development,” the LMP will work hand in hand with the national government agencies and international partners in its bid to localize the implementation of the SDGs, Bernos said.

The localization of the SDGs is at the core of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that is based on the eightpoint socioeconomic agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The President has cited the crucial role the local government units (LGUs) play in achieving the SDGs toward fulfilling “Ambisyon Natin 2040.”

The gathering of local chief executives centers on the following SDGs: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, and quality education.

“The LMP is committed to proposing and implementing programs at the municipal level because we believe that the ultimate responsibility for driving much of the necessary progress in the country will fall upon the LGUs,” Bernos said.

Present during the general assembly were House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Lope Santos 3rd and United Nations’ Gustavo Gonzales were also present in the event.