THE Quezon City government on Monday praised the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that requires all national agencies to secure permits from local government units (LGUs) before implementing infrastructure projects.

This directive is a vital step in ensuring that every government initiative is responsive to the needs, priorities, and safety of our citizens, Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

“It strengthens the intent of the Local Government Code, which mandates meaningful participation of LGUs in the planning and implementation of projects that directly affect their constituencies,” she pointed out.

Belmonte said that even before the directive, the city government had institutionalized this principle through an ordinance passed in 2020.

The measure requires all national government agencies, offices, and corporations to coordinate with the city government prior to implementing projects within its jurisdiction, Belmonte said.

Quezon City hails directive for national projects to get local permits, This news data comes from:http://redcanaco.com

Under the same ordinance, a Certificate of Coordination from the Office of the Mayor is a prerequisite before permits are issued, ensuring public consultation, alignment with local development plans, and protection of citywide systems before any work begins.

Such coordination is particularly critical for infrastructure projects, where poor planning may lead to community disruption, displacement, or unintended risks, Belmonte pointed out.

In Quezon City, this process guarantees consistency with its Drainage Master Plan and other long-term strategies while safeguarding the responsible and efficient use of public funds derived from the hard-earned taxes of the people, she emphasized.

“Quezon City remains a steadfast partner in advancing national development. At the same time, we emphasize that true progress is built on mutual respect and cooperation between national and local governments,” the mayor said.

“By institutionalizing this balance of equality and interdependence, we uphold the integrity of our communities while advancing our shared national vision,” she added.