Quirino governor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) head Dakila Cua hailed Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “message of hope” in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The President’s message of hope that our people will endure and surpass the problems we are facing is reassuring. The SONA was relatively short, yet comprehensive and goes straight to the point—isang pahiwatig mula sa Pangulo na tama na ang bangayan, diretso na tayo sa trabaho, huwag nang magpa-tumpik-tumpik pa,” Cua said.
The President’s legislative agenda tackles core problems that have hounded the country for years, the former solon said.
“We have assembled the best of Filipino minds to help navigate us through this global crisis that we are now facing. We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed,” President Marcos said in his address.
Cua expressed his all-out support for the plans the president laid out, as he said that local government units are “awaiting our marching orders” on how they can be partners in the national government’s push towards recovery.
“Needless to say, the national government can count on us LGUs as partners. We’re awaiting our marching orders on how we can help,” the governor said.
He also called on his former colleagues in Congress to support the President’s vision for the country by passing his legislative agenda.
The President’s legislative agenda tackles core problems that have hounded the country for years, the former solon said.
“Naniniwala akong malaki ang maitutulong ng mga ipinapanukalang batas ng Pangulo sa pagtugon sa mga isyung hinaharap natin at sa pagtaguyod ng kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said Cua.
“Needless to say, the national government can count on us LGUs as partners. We’re awaiting our marching orders on how we can help.”
“Kaya’t nakikiusap tayo sa mga dating katrabaho natin sa Kongreso na sana’y sa lalong madaling panahon ay maipasa nila ang priority legislation,” he added.
Cua said that, in particular, he hopes for the immediate passage of the proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA), which would help LGUs achieve development within the context of climate change.
The NLUA aims to lay out a “rational and holistic” plan for the management and development of the country’s land and water resources.
“This is a measure that would guide both the national and local governments in attaining sustainable development. In the face of climate change that affects all sectors of society, this is a necessary first step,” Cua said.
