Tarlac City, Tarlac – Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. interfaced with the local officials of the Province of Tarlac on May 30, 2023, at the Bulwagan ng mga Gobernador of the Tarlac Provincial Capitol to address issues concerning local governance in the Province.

 Secretary Abalos assured the City and Municipal Mayors that the DILG hears their clamor in support to the welfare of their constituents by raising their concerns about the upcoming Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment whereby three (3) crucial indicators are to be vetted – local revenue growth rate, local development fund utilization, and appointment of a Public Employment Service Officer (PESO). He also highlighted the notable contributions of LGUs in sustaining a peaceful and orderly community by combatting illegal drugs and criminality as well as the need to put premium on health by ending Tuberculosis.

Tarlac Governor Susan A. Yap extended her gratitude to Secretary Abalos and mentioned that the interface proved to be beneficial to the local officials as it addressed several concerns about the Department's policies and programs.

Several Mayors also expressed their gratitude over the Secretary's speedy response to the recent requests of LGUs for assistance in purchasing firetrucks and construction of a fire station.
City and Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Members, Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents, SK Federation Presidents, DILG Officers from the regional, provincial, HUC, and field offices were also in attendance.

The interface was held after the LAB4ALL program which was graced by no less than First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.