LGUs most trusted, survey says

MANILA, Philippines - Mayors and other local government units (LGUs) are the most trusted in public service, according to the 2014 Philippine Trust Index survey conducted by EON Inc.

The survey said the informed Filipino public gave local governments a 15 percent rating, the highest among the government agencies included.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released yesterday the results of the survey of EON Inc., an affiliate of the Edelman firm. The period of the survey was not included in the statement. It was not clear who commissioned the survey.

The DILG said the LGUs’ positive rating surpassed the rating of the Office of the President with 14 percent or by one percent and the Supreme Court with 12 percent or by three.

“The general public also gave their local governments a proximate rating, at 17 percent, tying with the Cabinet,” said the DILG statement.

There were 1,626 respondents to the survey, Filipinos aged 25-65 across different socio-economic classifications with at least three years of tertiary education and have access of print, online and broadcast media.

Upon seeing the results of the 2014 Philippine Trust Index survey on Monday, DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II said he felt encouraged that Filipinos have regained their trust in their local governments.

“We in the department are even more motivated to do our job knowing that citizens trust our partners at the local level,” said Roxas.

The DILG, for its part, has many projects and programs with local government units lined up for the last quarter, including a citywide launch of an anti-criminal campaign in partnership with the Philippine National Police.

Other projects include the finalization and implementation of the grassroots participatory budgeting and the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in areas struck by the earthquake and Super Typhoon Yolanda last year.

“Many challenges lie ahead of us. Marami pang dapat ayusin (Much needs to be done). We appreciate the moral support from our partners and allies in introducing and sustaining more reforms,” Roxas said.