DILG Secretary Urges Mayors to Align Local Initiatives with UN Sustainable Development Goals

QUEZON CITY: Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasized the crucial role of local governments in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The call to action was made during the Philippine Mayors Forum at the Crowne Plaza Manila.

According to a new release by Philippines News Agency, Abalos stated that local government units (LGUs) are “well-positioned to drive change in their respective communities.” He highlighted the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which provides LGUs with greater resources, offering them a better opportunity to plan, finance, and implement more comprehensive SDG-aligned local development projects that are sensitive to climate change. “The time for decisive action is now,” Abalos said.

Abalos added that the realization of these goals can be facilitated by implementing strategies suited to the unique challenges faced by each locality. The 17 SDGs, established in 2015, serve as a global call to action for addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. All nations have pledged to work towards achieving these goals by the year 2030.

The DILG expressed full commitment to guiding LGUs in their journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.