LGUs to get grant from India

CEBU, Philippines —  A multi-million dollar grant from the government of India (GOI) is expected to benefit Local Government Units (LGU) across the country for the implementation of quick-impact projects in their respective areas.

A memorandum of agreement was already entered into by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Embassy of India. Signing the MOA were DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. representing the Philippine government, and Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran, representing GOI.

Under the agreement, each qualified LGU will receive US $50,000 from the Indian government. This is to finance infrastructure projects ranging from roads, bridges, and community centers to school, health, and development facilities.

Abalos extended his gratitude to the GOI for the funding window which “is a first of its kind”.

“On behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the Filipino people, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the GOI for the financial grant for the implementation of quick impact projects that will immensely benefit local communities in the Philippines,” Abalos said.

Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran for his part said that such an agreement is a milestone and “the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful journey of cooperation between our countries.”

“I would like to thank the Secretary for his vision, leadership, and decisive intervention to make sure that this agreement came to fruition very quickly,” the Indian ambassador said.

The agreement, accordingly, is a much-needed intervention for the DILG and especially for LGUs which are now expected to take bolder steps to realize full devolution in view of the Supreme Court ruling in 2018.

“This is a massive reinforcement in our current efforts towards full devolution and to further improve public service in the communities,” added Abalos. — FPL (FREEMAN)