February 8, 2023

Local government units (LGUs) across the country stand to benefit from a multi-million dollar grant from the government of India (GOI) for the implementation of quick impact projects following the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday between 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.

Abalos extended his gratitude to the GOI for the funding window which “is a first of its kind” and a much-needed intervention for the DILG and moreso for LGUs which are now expected to take bolder steps to realize full devolution in view of the Supreme Court ruling in 2018.

“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,” he said.

“This is a massive reinforcement in our current efforts towards full devolution and to further improve public service in the communities,” he added.

Abalos said that under the agreement, the GOI will provide US $50K grant assistance for each qualified LGU to finance infrastructure projects ranging from roads, bridges and community centers to school, health, and development facilities.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ambassador said this (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,” he said.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Embassy-of-India-ink-pact-for-implementation-of-quick-impact-projects-in-communities/NC-2023-1017