Republic of the Philippines

DILG VI Evaluates PDMU Systems, Sets Direction for 2026 With the objective of evaluating and enhancing the overall performance of the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU), a two-day Operations and Fiduciary Review was held from November 17 to 18, 2025 at J7 Hotel, Iloilo City. DILG Region VI Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III emphasized that the review serves as a crucial platform to assess performance, reinforce accountability, and strengthen support to Local Government Units and communities as the Department prepares for Fiscal Year 2026. The activity also served as an avenue for the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) to gather information on the current systems, challenges, and recommendations from the PDMU and their Field Office counterparts in order to further enhance operational strategies and support mechanisms. Insights shared during the review seek to build stronger coordination and more responsive interventions for LGUs and their communities. Dutifully noted by DMO IV John Paul Padonia and DMO III Louie Cañete of the OPDS-DILG Central Office, findings and determinations gathered from the Audit will be endorsed to the Department’s Top Management as additional reference for data-driven decision-making. DILG Region 6 PDMU Chief Maria Jenica Villabeto (1st from right) and Asst. PDMU Chief Ruby Camarista (2nd from right) join DMO III Louie Cañete (1st from left) and DMO IV John Paul Padonia (2nd from left) of the OPDS-DILG Central Office as they received their Certificate of Appreciation.

Shifting Mindsets, Strengthening Communities: Highlights DILGR6 LGSF TPM Exit Conference “The shift – from mere compliance to shared responsibility and stewardship, from counting structures built to valuing the lives transformed – these are some of the most meaningful legacies of the LGSF program.”   Mary Francis Therese Betuin, Western Visayas Area Team Leader of the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GKCDFI), underscored this during the 2025 Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Exit Conference held earlier today, November 12th, at Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City.   Attended by the Hon. Oscar Villegas, Jr., Mayor of Lemery, and the Hon. Rafael Enrique Lazaro, Mayor of Pototan – along with multiple stakeholders composed of DILG Field Officers and LGU representatives – the event allowed for the presentation of data, findings, and recommendations gathered by the GKCDFI during the course of the engagement.   PDMU Chief Maria Jenica D. Villabeto received the Terminal Report on behalf of Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III. Meanwhile, LGOO VII Medel M. Espinosa, Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) and one of the members of the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG), capped off the activity by putting a pin on the relevant Capacity Development interventions his Division could spearhead during his closing message. Left-Right: LGOO VII Medel M. Espinosa, Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD); LGOO V Maria Jenica D. Villabeto, Chief of the Project Development and Monitoring Unit (PDMU), and Mary Francis Therese Betuin, Western Visayas Area Team Leader of the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GKCDFI)

STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Department reaffirms that the right of citizens to organize, to assemble peacefully, and to express their views is protected under Article III Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution. These rights form part of the democratic space that the Department is duty bound to safeguard. At the same time, the Department must enforce the laws that define the limits of protected expression. Articles 139 to 142 of the Revised Penal Code clearly outline what constitutes sedition and inciting to sedition. These provisions apply only when acts or statements seek to stir unlawful resistance against lawful authorities or to prevent the government from performing its functions. This legal standard is well-established and has guided national security assessments across administrations. The Department remains committed to protecting both democratic rights and public order. Ensuring that citizens can speak and gather freely, while upholding the laws that guard against unlawful destabilization, is essential to a functioning democracy.

DILG upholds highest quality in public service, set for ISO certification anew The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to receive the International Standard Organization (ISO) 9001:2015 certification anew, reaffirming its commitment to quality operations and excellence in public service. After weeks of rigorous audit procedures that concluded last week, the DILG National Quality Management System (QMS) was found compliant with the ISO standard. Certification International Philippines Incorporated has recommended the Department for recertification. The DILG Central Office first received its ISO certification in August 2016. In September 2022, the certification was expanded to cover the entire Department. This fulfills Executive Order No. 605 which requires all government offices to implement a Quality Management System that institutionalizes structures, mechanisms, and standards to ensure efficiency and consistency in government operations. The DILG emphasized that this continuing effort is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to simplify government processes and eliminate red tape and corruption. The Department added that the renewed ISO certification inspires its workforce to consistently pursue excellence in public service anchored on the values of “matino, mahusay, at maasahan.” The DILG Central Office is led by quality management representative Undersecretary Omar V. Romero and overall deputy management representative Assistant Secretary Ester A. Aldana. DILG Financial Management Service Management Division Chief Romar B. Panganiban heads the Central QMS Secretariat. The audit also covered DILG Regions I, III, Calabarzon, V, VII, and the National Capital Region, with the scope “Public Administration covering Policy Formulation and Provision of Technical Administrative Services, Performance Oversight, and Rewards and Incentives.” ISO certification affirms that a management system, service, or documentation process meets the requirements for standardization and quality assurance. ISO is an independent, international, non-government organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.

DILG’s KALINISAN creates positive change in more than 300K clean up sites nationwide The Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) KALINISAN (Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan) sa Bagong Pilipinas Program is gaining even stronger momentum with 26,091 barangays participating in weekly clean-up activities, collecting 7.7 million kilograms of waste from 361,780 sites nationwide. The DILG said over 550,000 individuals took part in the  weekly clean-up efforts, including 238,103 barangay officials who accounted for 43 percent of the total participants demonstrating strong grassroots leadership and community engagement. This is in line with  President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call for a cleaner, safer, and disaster-proof Philippines. Launched in January 2024, KALINISAN aims to foster a cleaner,  healthier and safer environment by empowering local governments and mobilizing citizens in the true spirit of “bayanihan”.The initiative brings together the Department’s existing projects and environmental strategies, including community-based solid waste management, barangay road clearing operations, community gardening through HAPAG, and Kabataan para sa KALINISAN, among others.With more barangays joining every month, the DILG underscores that KALINISAN is not just a program but  a growing nationwide movement for a cleaner and more resilient Bagong Pilipinas.

Remulla: Lupons keep jail congestion at bay   Affirming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for peaceful dispute settlement, Department of the  Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday underscored the role of Lupong Tagapamayapa nationwide in strengthening the justice system by curbing the population of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) through settling disputes at the barangay level. During this year’s National Awarding Ceremony for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) held at Quezon City, Remulla lauded awardees in supporting jail decongestion and maintaining peace among communities.   “Kung walang lupon ng barangay mas puno pa ang ating mga preso. Kayo ang sandigan ng ating katahimikan sa mga barangay,” Remulla said. The LTIA is the government’s recognition and incentive program for Lupons that exhibit exemplary implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP). Assessment is based on their operational efficiency, effectiveness in securing the settlement, creativity and resourcefulness in strategies, facilities for KP activities, and acquired support from other stakeholders.   As the Chairperson of the National Awards Committee (NAC), Remulla commended the lupons for driving peacebuilding through amicable settlement.“Kayo po ang nagtatrabaho para magbigay ng hustisya at maging tulay para sa pagkakaintindihan ng mga miyembro ng inyong mga barangay.” he said.   Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Randolph Pascasio seconded that peace cannot be attained solely through legalism, but also through dialogue with proactive facilitation of community leaders.   Also present during the ceremony were DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Nestor B Sanares, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Philippine National Police Deputy Chief PNP for Administration PLtGen. Bernard Banac, Office of the President representative Atty. Roy Joseph Parian, DILG Executives and DILG Regional Directors, among others.   Among this year’s national winners are Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City for the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUC) Category; and Barangay Poblacion Zone 20, Baybay City, Leyte for the Component / Independent Component Cities (C/ICC) Category.   The champions for the 1st Class to 6th Class Municipality Category are Barangay Rizal, Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Barangay Barugohay Norte, Carigara, Leyte; Barangay Talas, Sulop, Davao del Sur; Barangay Poblacion, San Jose, Dinagat Islands; Barangay Sinian, Baliangao, Misamis Occidental; and Barangay Magallanes, Limasawa, Southern Leyte, respectively.   For the succeeding year, the DILG Chief proposed increasing the incentives from P300,000 to P500,000 for the national champions of each category. With this move, the Department ensures that lupons are empowered to sustain effective administration of the KP system in pursuit of peace and justice among communities.

DILG STATEMENT ON LGUs’ QUICK ACTION DURING “UWAN” The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joins President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in acknowledging the efforts of local government units (LGUs) across the country for their swift and decisive action in carrying out preemptive evacuations and early response operations during the onslaught of Typhoon “Uwan.” Through prompt warnings, clear coordination, and on-the-ground leadership, governors, mayors, barangay officials, and disaster response teams safely moved more than 1.6 million individuals, or nearly 490,000 families, away from danger. These efforts prevented greater loss of life and demonstrated the power of proactive governance and community cooperation. The Department also extends its gratitude to the police officers, firefighters, and volunteers who risked their safety amid heavy rains and strong winds to bring families to evacuation centers, assist in relief efforts, and secure affected areas. Their dedication reflects the true spirit of public service. The Department continues to work alongside all LGUs in strengthening disaster preparedness, coordination, and recovery efforts nationwide. Sa bayanihan at pagtutulungan, kahit gaano kalakas ang unos, kaya nating lampasan. ###

LGUS Urged to Complete Evacuation of High-Risk Communities by Sunday, November 9 — DILG On orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging concerned local government units (LGUs) to complete preemptive or mandatory evacuations of high-risk communities by Sunday, November 9, as Tropical Storm Fung-Wong continues to intensify while moving closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The directive comes following a situation briefing led by the President earlier today, where national and local agencies were instructed to heighten preparations and ensure the safety of residents in areas expected to be affected by the approaching storm.According to PAGASA’s 11:00 AM advisory, Fung-Wong was last spotted 1,690 km east of Northeastern Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and gusts of up to 90 km/h. The storm is moving northwest at 10 km/h and is expected to enter PAR by late Friday or early Saturday, when it will be given the local name Uwan. It may strengthen into a Typhoon by Friday and possibly a Super Typhoon by Saturday, with an increased likelihood of landfall over Northern or Central Luzon by Monday, November 10.The DILG said LGUs should not wait for conditions to worsen before acting. “We are calling on all local chief executives to complete the evacuation of residents in high-risk areas no later than Sunday. Early evacuation saves lives,” the DILG stressed, saying LGUs should plan out worst-case or likely scenarios.The DILG also reminded LGUs to prepare evacuation centers with sufficient supplies and power sources, and to ensure proper management of evacuees. Continuous coordination with Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and real-time public information campaigns are essential, particularly in communities vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and storm surges.PAGASA warns that weather conditions will begin to deteriorate over eastern Luzon by Sunday, with potentially life-threatening conditions expected in Northern and Central Luzon by Monday and Tuesday. Coastal flooding and storm surges are likely, and gale warnings may be issued as early as Saturday.The DILG likewise ordered the enforcement of a no-sailing policy and the suspension of tourism and outdoor activities in at-risk areas. LGUs are also instructed to mobilize equipment and personnel for road clearing and ensure unimpeded access for emergency and relief operations.“We cannot be complacent. The next 48 hours are crucial for preparedness. We urge everyone to stay informed, follow local advisories, and cooperate with authorities,” the DILG said.

Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’ Nears PH: DILG urges LGUs to ensure preparedness   As parts of the country are still reeling from Typhoon Tino, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), on orders of the President, has urged all local government units (LGUs) to brace for a potentially devastating super typhoon to be named “Uwan” as it  approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week. Based on the latest advisory, the weather disturbance, currently a tropical depression, may strengthen into a super typhoon and could make landfall this weekend, bringing  Wind Signal No. 5,  that could cause life-threatening stormy  conditions to parts of Northern and Central Luzon. “We cannot be caught off guard. LGUs must take all precautionary steps now—activate disaster councils, prepare evacuation sites, and warn at-risk communities,” the DILG said. The Department called  on LGUs to clear waterways and drainage systems, inspect roads and bridges, and ensure evacuation centers are ready with adequate supplies. Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) are also urged to plan for preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas. Emergency response teams and rescue units must be placed on standby alert, with rescue equipment and relief goods prepositioned for rapid deployment once the storm hits. “Preparedness saves lives. We call on all LGUs to act now to prevent casualties,” the DILG stressed.  This directive reinforces President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for proactive local governance and stronger disaster preparedness to safeguard lives and communities from the increasing threat of severe tropical cyclones.

 DILG TO LGUS: ACTIVATE LOCAL PRICE COORDINATING COUNCILS, HALT OVERPRICING AMID NATIONAL CALAMITY   Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national state of calamity, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) to take decisive action against overpricing and profiteering after reports surfaced of establishments in Bacolod City allegedly doubling prices of generators and other essential goods amid ongoing typhoon response. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla underscored that “public emergencies are not an excuse to exploit our people.” He reminded local governments to ensure that prices of basic goods remain fair and reasonable, warning that “those who take advantage of this crisis will be held accountable.” Under the Local Government Code and Republic Act No. 10121, local chief executives (LCEs) are mandated to implement emergency measures and lead disaster response efforts as heads of their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs). In view of the national calamity declaration, the DILG has advised all governors, mayors, and barangay officials to suspend foreign travel to ensure direct oversight of local response operations, extend assistance to affected LGUs through inter-LGU cooperation with R/PDRRMCs and DILG Regional Offices, and activate their Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) to monitor and prevent exorbitant price increases of basic necessities and prime commodities. “Mayors and barangay officials are the first line of defense for consumer welfare,” Remulla stressed. “We are calling on all LGUs to activate their LPCCs and act swiftly. The DILG will support every lawful measure to stop abusive pricing and ensure that help reaches our kababayans without added burden.” The DILG, through the Philippine National Police (PNP), is working closely with concerned LGUs in Bacolod to validate reports and implement immediate enforcement action. “Sa panahon ng kalamidad, malasakit at pagtutulungan ang kailangan, hindi pananamantala,” said Remulla. “This is a time to protect, not profit.” All DILG Regional Directors have been directed to ensure the immediate and widest dissemination of this advisory nationwide. ###