State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace
March 21, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over a sectoral meeting on the Proposed Amendments to Executive Order (E.O.) Number 138, series 2021 regarding the full devolution of certain functions of the national government to local government units (LGUs) at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace.

Discussions covered the roadmap of the extended full devolution transition, creation of a Committee on Development and categorization of devolved functions/services considering the scope and magnitude of the said E.O.

The President instructed the concerned Cabinet members to further study E.O. No. 138, s. 2021 while continuing to capacitate the LGUs, most especially prioritizing assistance to 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities. He also suggested that adequate trainings and additional personnel be provided to LGUs to prepare them in fulfilling the specified functions under devolution.

The attendees included Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua (President, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines [ULAP]), South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. (National President, League of Provinces of the Philippines [LPP]), Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama (National President, League of Cities of the Philippines [LCP]) and Municipality of Barcelona, Sorsogon Mayor Cynthia Falcotelo-Fortes (Secretary-General, League of Municipalities of the Philippines [LMP]).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile Sr. joined the Chief Executive in the meeting.

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