DILG vows to support next administration

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday vowed to work with the incoming administration in the attainment of its vision for the country and in their governance agenda of unity towards genuine progress and development, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

"We commit to continue to uphold the DILG’s brand of service of being matino, mahusay, at maaasahan (sensible, efficient, and reliable) as we decisively execute the incoming administration’s directives for local governments and the peace and order and security sectors,” Año said in a statement.

He also congratulated former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for winning the May 9 presidential and vice-presidential elections, respectively.

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Meanwhile, Año is set to meet with incoming DILG chief Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. next month for the smooth turnover of responsibilities.

“With President Marcos Jr. at the helm and the able leadership of incoming DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, we are confident that the DILG will be ably guided in the fulfillment of its supervisory mandate over local government units and in maintaining peace and order in our country,” he said.

“Sama-sama tayong babangon muli tungo sa disiplinado at maunlad na Pilipinas (Together, we will rise towards a diciplined and progressive Philippines),” he added.

Año said they are confident that Abalos, former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman, will provide good direction and leadership to both the interior and local government sectors.

“We have worked closely with Chairperson Abalos during the height of the pandemic and we have seen how he ably steered the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic response in the National Capital Region which has resulted in the downward trend of coronavirus cases and the successful rollout of the vaccination program,” he said.

Año said they are hopeful that Abalos will continue and build on the campaign against criminality, illegal drugs, corruption, and communist terrorism that DILG has been focusing on in the past six years.