Republic of the Philippines

Tanod Para sa Bata: Barangay Tanods Strengthen School Safety Nationwide Young students from various schools all over the country cross  pedestrian lanes. Guiding them with care are barangay tanods, steadfast and watchful. This simple act is a powerful reminder that school safety begins at the barangay level. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) praises barangay tanods for their vital role in ensuring safe environments around schools. They manage traffic, watch entry points, and offer visible support that reassures students, parents, and teachers. This is essential work that complements the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla has emphasized that true peace is measured not only by statistics but by the sense of safety felt in daily life. When children can cross the street to school without fear, governance is achieving its purpose. Tanods serve under the supervision of Punong Barangays and work closely with police and school officials. Many have completed trainings conducted by the DILG and PNP to handle basic community safety duties. Some LGUs have also formally deputized tanods through barangay ordinances, giving them clearer authority during school hours. Our barangay tanods are in schools to ensure the safety of students. They are in the streets to ensure the safety of the community. Their presence offers a sense of protection and comfort. The DILG encourages local governments to continue investing in capacity building and recognition for tanods, equipping them with radios, vests, and standard trainings. The Department also supports the DepEd’s goal of ensuring safe learning environments through joint efforts between education and security agencies. As the Marcos administration advances a whole-of-government vision for peace, education, and unity, the DILG stands firmly behind its barangay frontliners. Through the dedicated service of tanods, we build safer routes to school, stronger communities, and brighter futures for every learner

DILG: Training for Newly-Elected Local Officials Free of Charge, Set to Begin in July The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed today that all training courses under the 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program will be conducted free of charge, with no registration fees required. Set to begin this July, the NEO PLUS Program is designed to support newly elected local leaders as they assume office and carry out their First 100 Days. Participants include elected local officials such as governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, sanggunian members, and designated local functionaries. A three-year capacity development initiative led by the DILG’s Local Government Academy (LGA), NEO PLUS equips local officials with the tools to lead effectively and responsibly in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to strengthen local governance and public service delivery. To kick off the program, DILG Field Officers and LGU Transition Teams will conduct Executive Briefings for local government units starting July 1. These briefings are intended to guide newly elected officials through the leadership transition process and set priorities for their First 100 Days in office. The program also includes the Course on Strategic Leadership for Good Governance for first-time elected officials, while returning officials will undergo a refresher course on Transformative Leadership for Elevated Governance. The LGA is currently completing training and orientation for capacity development managers across all 17 regions in preparation for the program rollout. The DILG continues to urge newly elected leaders to take part in the NEO PLUS Program to strengthen their leadership capacities, promote effective local governance, and ensure a responsive and citizen-centered public service.

DILG: ARAL Program revolutionizes education at the barangays In support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda on education, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Department of Education (DepEd), attained critical gains in institutionalizing literacy at the policy level with the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. Mandated under Republic Act No. 12028, the ARAL Program aims to provide free tutorials to learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 who need assistance in reading, mathematics, and science, whether through face-to-face, online, or blended modalities. Through a joint memorandum, the DILG and DepEd called for a synchronized effort to implement the ARAL Program, mobilizing local government units (LGUs) to counter illiteracy through the issuance of ordinances and executive orders supporting education and literacy. This resulted in 441 cities and municipalities across the country issuing ordinances or executive orders, with 202 of these LGUs having established their Local Literacy Councils within their jurisdictions. The DILG said these policies are currently transforming local efforts into impactful programs. “Through ARAL, the learning recovery of Filipino children is no longer the burden of schools alone but a shared responsibility of the entire government and community,” the Department said. In Sorsogon City, mobile libraries travel to remote communities to reach children who are unable to attend regular classes, while in Bacnotan, La Union, the LGU funds learning caravans that provide tutorial support to out-of-school youth. Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, on the other hand, embedded literacy in youth peacebuilding initiatives, creating spaces where safety and learning go hand in hand. Barangays and LGUs, the DILG said, are key implementation partners. They provide venues, assist in mobilizing tutors and volunteers, and ensure that the services reach learners who need them most. The DILG likewise shared that many of these initiatives are funded through the Special Education Fund or General Fund, proving that LGUs are making deliberate investments in education as a foundation for local development.

DILG Rolls Out “Listo si KAP” to Strengthen Barangay Disaster Preparedness In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call for safer and disaster-resilient communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched Listo si KAP (Komunidad at Punong Barangays), a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response framework tailored for barangays. Building on the multi-hazard response plan Operation L!sto, Listo si KAP provides barangays with protocols to help them better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The initiative promotes heightened vigilance during the pre-disaster phase, outlines critical actions for imminent hazards, and guides communities in conducting post-disaster needs assessments. Under Memorandum Circular No. 2025-035, the DILG designated the existing Barangay Development Council as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Council, responsible for approving the Barangay DRRM Plan and recommending emergency measures such as preemptive evacuation. The Barangay DRRM Committee (BDRRMC), meanwhile, will function as the LDRRM Office tasked with crafting and executing disaster risk management programs at the barangay level. Among the BDRRMC’s responsibilities during the preparedness phase are the conduct of regular disaster drills, ensuring the availability of emergency equipment and supplies, and auditing critical infrastructure. During the response phase, barangays must activate operations centers, manage evacuation sites, and coordinate search and rescue efforts. Post-disaster, BDRRMCs are also expected to assist in damage assessment, rehabilitation efforts, and engage various sectors in crafting sustainable recovery solutions. With Listo si KAP, the DILG affirms its commitment to empowering barangays in building disaster-resilient communities across the country.

DILG fetes 16 gender-responsive governance champions In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to eliminate gender-based discrimination and uphold women’s rights, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognized 16 of its regional offices through the Gender and Development (GAD) Seal Certification Program. The GAD Seal Certification is a flagship initiative that promotes institutional gender mainstreaming within the DILG, grounded on three major components: Assessment Criteria and Documentary Requirements, Scoring System, and Certification Procedure. “Each seal conferred today tells the story of a regional office that has translated gender-responsive governance into action. These offices have implemented innovative programs, advanced inclusivity, and upheld the principles of equality and social justice,” said DILG Undersecretary Atty. Jon Paulo Salvahan. In a memorandum, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that recognizing and incentivizing gender mainstreaming efforts contributes to a more coherent and nationwide approach to gender equality, ultimately empowering women and marginalized sectors across the country. The program features a three-tier recognition system – Gold, Silver, and Bronze- based on performance scores. A minimum of 70 points is required to qualify for certification, while regional offices scoring below 70 are not conferred with the GAD Seal. For this year, the DILG GAD Seal Gold awardees are the regional offices of the Cordillera Administrative Region and Regions II, VII, X, and XII. Silver awardees include the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and Regions I, IX, and XIII. Bronze awardees are the regional offices in MIMAROPA and Regions III, V, VI, VIII, and XI. The GAD Seal is awarded annually, with each certification valid for one year from the date of issuance.

DILG Statement on the Adoption of the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomes the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 83 by the Office of the President, formally adopting the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development (NAP-UPD) 2025–2028. As the country’s strategic blueprint to end the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) insurgency and local armed conflict, the NAP-UPD affirms the government’s commitment to a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of violence and instability, and in building inclusive and sustainable peace. The DILG, as a key member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), expresses its full support for the implementation of the Action Plan. We are committed to helping lead and coordinate its rollout in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders, and to institutionalize localized peacebuilding initiatives that are responsive to each community’s context. We likewise urge all LGUs to align with the NAP-UPD’s goals, localize peace and development strategies, and contribute to monitoring, coordination, and feedback mechanisms as provided under the Circular. Let us work together to transform vulnerable communities into resilient, empowered, and conflict-free areas. With this development, the DILG reiterates its resolve to champion unity, justice, and peace as we collectively pursue a more secure, just, and hopeful Bagong Pilipinas.

DILG to LGUs: Adopt cashless transactions for gov’t payments In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for digital transformation in government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging all local government units (LGUs) to adopt electronic payment and collection systems (EPCS) as an alternative to traditional cash transactions. In a memorandum circular, the DILG encouraged LGUs to implement EPCS for collecting local taxes, fees, and other charges, in accordance with Executive Order No. 170, s. 2022 on the use of digital payments for government transactions. The Department emphasized that digital payments improve transparency, efficiency, and public convenience. LGUs are encouraged to offer secure, accessible digital options, ensure payment channels are user-friendly, and partner with authorized providers, including government servicing banks. All efforts must align with the National Retail Payment System Framework and the Data Privacy Act. LGUs are also expected to define clear procedures for issuing electronic invoices and billing notices, consistent with guidelines from the Commission on Audit and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. While promoting digitalization, the DILG clarified that LGUs must still accept cash and other traditional modes of payment to ensure accessibility for all. To support full implementation, LGUs are encouraged to pass enabling ordinances and issue local policies. The DILG also committed to providing capacity-building initiatives to help LGUs adopt the system and guide constituents in its use.

Remulla: Unified 911 rollout to start in July 2025 In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Monday announced that the Unified 911 Emergency System will officially go live this July in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Regions 1 and 7. Speaking at a press conference held at the Quezon City Police District headquarters, Remulla emphasized that the national emergency response system will be powered by cutting-edge technology and will be expanded to other regions in the succeeding months. “We are going to deploy the latest technology in the world. Puwedeng streaming, maipapakita mo kung anong nangyayari sa iyo, may geolocator, para malaman kung nasaan ka,” he explained. To address the long-standing issue of prank and nuisance calls, Remulla said the system has been designed with advanced deterrent features that will drastically limit such disruptions. “Kasi ang experience niyan sa PNP (Philippine National Police), 60% of the calls are pranks. Ngayon, malalaman na kung mula saan ka tumawag, kung sino ka, kung anong itinawag mo. Mas magiging efficient ang pagtakbo ng 911.” The DILG Secretary further underscored that the 911 Emergency Hotline will now be a permanent core program of the Department, fully integrated into its operational framework—anchored on the direct involvement of frontline response units such as the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), both of which are attached agencies of the DILG. He clarified that the program’s continuity will not be subject to changes in administration or leadership. “Kasi continuing investment yan, so hindi mo puwedeng sabihin na one year lang yan, sa susunod na taon papalitan na naman. It’s a ten-year investment plan,” he said. As for hotlines like the PNP’s 117, Remulla said these will serve as agency command centers to handle 911 calls related to their specific functions, such as crimes for the PNP or fires for the BFP.