In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Local Government Code, DILG Pampanga gathered the local leaders of the province for a Leaders' Forum which brought to the fore the important and timely discourse on full devolution in relation to the Supreme Court Ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia petitions.

 Held on October 15, 2021, the online forum was attended by the local chief executives, vice mayors and Sanggunian members from the cities and municipalities of Pampanga as well as members of the local leagues and department heads of LGUs.
The activity provided local officials an avenue for an open discussion on the concepts and implications of the landmark SC ruling to local governance. Mr. Ariel Dayrit of DBM-R3 also provided participants with the latest updates including the enforcement of the Personnel Services limitations.

In her message, PD Myrvi Apostol-Fabia recognized the challenges and difficulties posed by the imminent transition of LGUs to full devolution. However, she also reminded each one of Pampanga's story of resilience and how the province surmounted these trials through the collective vision and actions of its leaders.

"We will go through birth pains (with the full devolution), but we've been here before. While it may seem difficult at first, I know it's not impossible. Marami nang pagsubok na dumaan sa atin sa Pampanga pero nanatili tayong matapang, matatag at maaasahan dahil sa ating iisang hangarin na mapakpagsilbi sa ating mga Cabalen at maabot ang tinatamasa nating masaganang buhay."

Aside from the discussion, the timeline for the submission of the LGU DTPs was also reiterated. Cities and municipalities have until November 12, 2021, to finalize and submit their respective Devolution Transition Plans.