Photo: Courtesy of SCSPR

Executive, headed by the president Alejandro Giammatteihas encouraged actions that support community efforts to improve the quality of life of the people of Guatemala.

This is reflected in the allocation in 2023, among others, for PPN-Paz, Fonpetrol and Extraordinary Contributions amounting to Q14 402.9 million, an increase of Q2127.2 million compared to the previous year, according to Presidential Executive Coordination Secretariat (SKEP).

“For the first time, during the administration of President Giammattei, a methodology was implemented that provides more support to local authorities,” the Government pointed out on its social networks. Meanwhile, the amount approved for the department’s development council, between 2020 and 2023, amounts to Q11,538.4 million and is Q2,621.8 million more than the amount allocated under the previous government.

“The President has a municipal spirit and has made it a reality through the Presidential Executive Coordination Secretariat, the Municipal Development Agency and entities related to municipal affairs.” Luis Ruano Chair of the President’s Commission on Municipal Affairs.

Apart from that, the establishment or strengthening of 165 Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (OMAS) by the Presidential Commission for Municipal Affairs (Copresam) must be added. Axel González, Mayor of San Vicente Pacaya, Escuintla, highlighted the attitude of the authorities providing support.

“This is an administration that is concerned about how we can work and solve the needs of our city and our neighbors,” the mayor said. González highlighted, among other things, efforts to improve the Constitutional Status of mayors and working meetings with heads of state to detail the work.

Hugo René Sarceño, Mayor of Puerto Barrios, Izabal, said that his district has been supported with road infrastructure and education and sports. Francisco Pop Pop, mayor of San Agustín Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, stated: “This support has never been seen in any other government. This government has done it; This is very beneficial for society.”