Manila, April 24 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed to increase funding for local government units (LGUs) in the next national budget, provided that ongoing government assistance programs continue to deliver positive results nationwide.

Marcos made the commitment, as he led the rollout of key social and development initiatives under the "Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang" Program at the Batangas Province Events Center in Batangas City.

"Patuloy po nating gagawin ito at sinasabi ko sa inyong lahat huwag niyong isipin na minsanan lang ito. Ngunit, ibabalik ko rin sa inyo, sa ating mga government official, sa ating mga local government, pagbutihan ninyo itong ginagawa nating mga programang ito (We will continu...