Republic of the Philippines

The Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) flagship anti-illegal drugs campaign Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program has reached 15 regions participating in different BIDA-related activities in 2023. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos credited the Department’s personnel, and offices including local government units (LGUs), private sector partners, and other stakeholders for expanding the BIDA Program’s reach in the first year of its implementation. “Sa nakalipas na taon, naging bagong mukha ng kampanya kontra iligal na droga ang ating BIDA Program,” Abalos said. “Thanks to your efforts, we have conducted BIDA Fun Runs, training programs, Serbisyo Caravans, and other BIDA activities in 15 regions across the country involving various sectors,” he added. According to Abalos, the Department signed strategic partnerships with different sectors to promote the BIDA Program and raise awareness about the ill effects of illegal drugs. They also had tie-ups with more than 30 big business establishments through the “BIDA Workplace” initiative. Recognizing sports as an effective means to encourage people, especially the youth, to say no to drugs, the DILG also linked up with major sports leagues in the country such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Aside from working with athletes, the DILG also tapped some of the country’s up-and-coming entertainment stars from ABS-CBN and GMA to become BIDA ambassadors. Additionally, major cinemas, such as SM Cinemas and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, were playing the program’s ads before the start of every movie to encourage the public to join forces with the government in combating illegal drugs. Abalos described 2023 as a prolific year for the country’s anti-drug efforts. He also expressed confidence that the BIDA Program will only get bigger in the years to come as it reaches the grassroots level. “We are definitely off to a good start. We were able to bring the spirit of BIDA down to our communities in just over a year since its launch,” Abalos pointed out. “Asahan po ninyo na magpapatuloy at lalo pang palalakasin ang kampanyang ito sa tulong ng iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan”. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos today said the evaluation and processing of promotions of third-level police officers will now be completed within 30 days upon receipt of complete documentary requirements. This, as the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) issued Resolution No. 2023-1704 which prescribes a 30-day timeline to complete the processing of recommendations for the promotion of police officers to the rank of Police Colonel (PCOL) to Police Lieutenant General (PLTGEN). Abalos, who is the concurrent ex-officio chairperson of NAPOLCOM, said there is a need to impose a strict timeline to promote efficiency and transparency, and avoid partiality in processing the recommendations for promotion of the third-level officers. “Habang patuloy nating inaasahan ang kapulisan na siguruhing ligtas ang ating mga lansangan, nais rin naman nating suklian ang kanilang tapat na paglilingkod sa ating bansa at sa mga mamamayan,” he said. “Through this latest NAPOLCOM resolution, magkakaroon ng mas maayos na sistema at matututukan ng husto ang pagproseso ng promotion ng mga karapat-dapat na PNP officials,” he said. Section 14(e) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6975, as amended, authorizes NAPOLCOM to develop policies on the promotion of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The said NAPOLCOM Resolution also states that only the Office of the PNP Chief and its designated focal person or office shall be provided with access to the information and status of recommendations for pending PNP promotions. The concerned PNP focal person or office is also advised to utilize such information with utmost confidentiality per Republic Act (RA) 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. After NAPOLCOM’s evaluation and also the confirmation of the Civil Service Commission, the promotional folders/documents will then be forwarded to the Office of the Executive Secretary before the approval of the President. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday officially welcomed to the country’s police force the 294 recruits under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) recruitment program. Abalos led the historic oath-taking and turnover ceremonies of the new 255 men and 39 women joining the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) at Camp Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. In his message, Abalos congratulated the new members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and urged them to live by the PNP’s mantra to serve and protect the Filipino people. “The uniform you are wearing now does not symbolize authority. It’s not all about prestige” he said. He continued: “Ang mas mahalaga, it represents a commitment to uphold the rule of law as well as a promise to serve the community with honor and integrity,”. The new 294 recruits will fill the 400 slots given under the MILF and MNLF Recruitment Program for CY 2023. They will undergo a six-month field training program. Abalos challenged the new recruits to finish the training program and serve as inspirations to their fellow MILF and MNLF comrades. He wanted them to serve as inspiration for their former comrades to join the government and the entire Filipino citizenry in attaining peace and sustainable development. “Marami na kayong pinagdaanan at ipangako n’yo sa akin na hindi na kayo aatras,” Abalos continued . The recruits hurdled the PNP’s rigid recruitment process, including passing the special qualifying eligibility examination and physical agility test. They also passed comprehensive medical assessment comprising psychological and psychiatric examinations, and drug tests. The entry of former MILF and MNLF members into the PNP is covered by Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which was enacted after the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF. The first batch of 102 MILF and MNLF recruits took their oath as members of the PNP last August 10. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos today urged Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and members throughout the country to serve as ambassadors of equality and inclusion. Abalos made the call following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s recent signing of Executive Order No. 51, s. 2023. EO 51 has reinforced the government’s diversity and inclusion program and created the Special Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Affairs. “I believe that the youth can best exemplify the value of respect for all people, which they can do by rejecting all forms of discrimination,” Abalos explained. “Naniniwala ako na kayang maipamalas ng mga kabataan ang kahalagahan ng pang-unawa at pagkakaisa,” he continued. Likewise, the DILG Chief encouraged the youth to help in addressing various challenges in their communities such as illegal drugs, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, mental health issues, and malnutrition. “Tunay nga na may mahalagang papel ang ating mga kabataan sa pagtatamo ng ating hangarin na makamit ang isang matatag, mapayapa at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” he stressed. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday (December 27) called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce their respective ordinances that ban the use of harmful firecrackers to ensure the safety of their communities, and lessen if not totally eliminate pyrotechnics-related injuries prior to and during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Based on DILG data, there were at least 1,210 LGUs that already have ordinances banning the use of harmful firecrackers in their respective localities. “I continue to remind our LGUs, especially the ones with local ordinances already in place, na pangunahan ang pagtitiyak na malayo sa disgrasya ng paputok ngayong holiday season ang ating mga kababayan,” he said. Abalos continued: “Tiyakin po natin na napaiiral ang mga ordinansang ito. Lagyan natin ng pangil ang mga ordinansang ito laban sa mapanganib na paputok.” This, as he commended the 35 LGUs that have complied with his recent call to pass ordinances on the same saying that this will ensure a safe and injury-free celebrations for their constituents. “Maraming salamat po sa pagtugon ninyo sa panawagan ng DILG tungo sa mas ligtas na pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon sa ating mga pamayanan,” he said. Abalos said to attain their target of safe and injury-free festivities, LGUs must see to it that the provisions of the said ordinances are implemented down to the grassroots level. “Walang saysay ang mga polisiyang ito kung hindi natin ma-implement sa ating mga barangay,” he said. Of the 1,210 LGUs that already have firecracker ordinances, Region 1 has 94; Region 2 with 84; Cordillera Administrative Region with 56; and Region 3 with 108. Also, National Capital Region has 17; CALABARZON with 126; MIMAROPA with 67; Region 5 with 63; Region 6 with 102; Region 7 with 91; Region 8 with 127; Region 9 with 66; Region 10 with 86; Region 11 with 23; Region 12 with 37; and Region 13 with 63. According to the Philippine National Police, the list of prohibited firecrackers includes, among others, Five Star, Pla-Pla, Piccolo, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Bading, Giant Bawang, Watusi, Atomic Triangle, Judas’ Belt, Super Yolanda, Super Lolo, and Coke-in-Can. ###

STATEMENT OF THE DILG ON THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51, s. 2023 ATTY. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR. DILG Secretary The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stands with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in espousing a society where diversity and inclusion remain foundational posts in establishing a truly united country. The signing of Executive Order (EO) No. 51, s. 2023 by the President is a bold and welcome move as it recognizes the need to tackle and put the rights of Filipinos, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. As the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion created under EO 51, I commit to push for relevant and critical diversity and inclusion programs and policies that fully observe human rights and equality. Asahan po ninyo ang suporta ng buong DILG sa pagtahi ng mga napapanahong pagbabago tungo sa mas inklusibong lipunan ng Pilipinas. Sama-sama nating isulong ang isang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan kabahagi ang bawat Pilipino anuman ang relihiyon, edad, sekswalidad at pagkakalinlan. ###

Sa ngalan ng Department of Interior and Local Government ay binabati ko ang sambayanang Pilipino ng isang Maligayang Pasko at Maunlad na Bagong Taon. Sa gitna ng mga hamon na dumaan sa ating bansa ngayong taon, nakita natin ang pwersa ng pagkakaisa at bayanihan nating mga Pilipino. Ang Pasko ay panahon ng pasasalamat para sa mga biyaya’t tagumpay, pati na rin sa mga nalagpasang pagsubok. Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa mga local government units at lahat ng mga katuwang natin sa paglilingkod. Hindi po matatawaran ang inyong naiambag para sa ating iisang hangarin na maghatid ng mabuting pamamahala, kapayapan, at kaunlaran sa bawat komunidad sa ating bansa. Sa pagtatapos ng taon, nawa’y ating mapagnilayan at bitbitin ang mga aral ng mga nalagpasang pagsubok at malugod na harapin ang bagong taon ng may pagkakaisa, pag-asa at sigla. Sa bahagi ng DILG family, makaasa po ating mga kababayan na ang mga programa’t proyekto natin ay para sa patuloy na pagsusulong ng mabuting pamamahala ng mga pamahalaang lokal at kaayusan at kaunlaran sa mga lokalidad. At sa darating na taon ay sama-sama nating ipagpatuloy at itaguyod ang matino, mahusay at maaasahang paglilingkod. At gagawin natin ito sa gawa, hindi sa salita. Mabuhay ang bayanihang Pilipino tungo sa isang bagong Pilipinas!

The Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition (CFDC) has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to help nurture Filipino children during their formative years to protect them against malnutrition and stunting. The DILG, together with the Local Government Units, strongly support the lead agencies – the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in winning the war against malnutrition and stunting. This, as DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and CFDC Overall Chair Atty. Joey Lina signed a Memorandum of Agreement last December 15. The MOA aims to pave the way for a community-driven approach to addressing malnutrition in the first 1000 days of infants. It can be attained by capacitating local government units (LGUs) and strengthening local nutrition programs. “The first 1,000 days of a child lasts a lifetime. In fact, this period will dictate the overall well-being of a child,” Abalos said. He continued: “Ganyan kahalaga ang misyon nating ito na protektahan ang kabataang Pilipino at siguruhin na sila’y lalaking malusog at produktibo”. Abalos thanked CFDC for joining their cause and for helping the DILG and the government foster a healthier and more productive generation of Filipinos. The first 1000 days is the period from conception through pregnancy until the end of a child’s second year. Abalos said the MOA will help enforce a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to combat malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children and the reduction of maternal mortality and stunting in children. A non-government organization (NGO), the CFDC was created to contribute to the goals outlined by Republic Act No. 11148, or the First 1,000 Days Law, through collaborative efforts between the government and NGOs. Based on the MOA, the DILG, and the CFDC agree to jointly work towards the successful implementation of the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program. Among the key points of the agreement include the CFDC’s engagement of the LGUs, including the barangay health workers or barangay nutrition scholars, to complement the efforts of the DILG in ensuring the success of the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program. The DILG will also provide technical support and guidance to CFDC in the development of strategies dealing with LGUs relative to the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program. Moreover, capacity-building workshops, seminars, and other similar activities will be conducted to enhance the knowledge and skills of local government officials, health workers, and community leaders in addressing malnutrition. ###

The DILG Region 6 once again ended the year with a grand celebration that commemorated the successes, reflected on the lessons learned, and looked forward to the promises and hopes of 2024. The annual Pagdayaw, held on December 11, 2023 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City gathered DILG personnel and its various partners, handed recognition and appreciation to commendable performances in the implementation of various programs and projects of the Department through good local governance. This year’s theme, “Resplendence and transcendence: Exploring more opportunities, discovering new successes was highlighted with events such as Relationship Building which served as the opening event followed by two award-giving programs of the DILG Region 6 namely UPRISE Rewards and Incentives Program and PRAISE-PISAN Awards. The fellowship night of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Employees Association 6 (DILGREA) was the culmination activity of the Pagdayaw. UPRISE and PRAISE-PISAN are the two-award giving programs that emphasized the meaning of Pagdayaw which is “giving appreciation.” Each has specific recipients of the awards, local government units (LGUs) for UPRISE and the DILG personnel and organizational teams for the PRAISE-PISAN. Last 2021, the DILG Region VI developed an initiative dubbed as Project RISE or Redefining Impact through Structural Empowerment. Structural empowerment refers to the ability to mobilize resources and achieve goals through access to information, support, resources, and opportunities. This year, the Project Development Maintenance Unit (PDMU) leveled up this initiative to create the Upscaling Performance and Redefining Impact through Structural Empowerment or UPRISE. The DILG Region VI, through UPRISE, will identify the qualified LGUs for the awards based on the guidelines provided and will recognize the best practices and accomplishments of LGUs in three (3) performance criteria namely: (a) Physical Status based on submitted SWA and Certificate of Completion for FY 2021; (b) Financial Status based on submitted Report of Disbursement for FY 2021; and (c) Rating in the SubayBAYAN encoding for FY 2021. This year, the DILG PDMU counterparts in the different provinces and cities in region 6, will also be given recognition for their exemplary performances in assisting the LGUs in the implementation of the DILG-Administered projects. “In the performance of our function, we depend on our local government units to deliver programs and project interventions at the doorsteps of the communities and families we serve. You are the vital link that weaves together the fabric of nation development. Without your help, we can only do as much. That is why we regard our strong and dependable local government units not just as partners in implementing government programs and projects but as an indispensable force in carting the wheel towards national development moving in local scene,” said Mario L. Iringan, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government as he addressed the local government units in his message. It is significantly desired that UPRISE will encourage, support, motivate and impact LGUs in the Region not just for compliance but it will eventually affect all LGUs in the Region to pursue timely and best performance in the implementation of DILG-Administered Projects. For 2023, the coverage of the UPRISE will be the Provinces, Cities, and Municipalities in Region VI which implemented various DILG Administered Projects under the Fiscal Year 2021 for the programs DRRAP, FALGU, and SBDP. PRAISE-PISAN Awards on the other hand was designed to encourage creativity, innovativeness, efficiency, integrity and productivity in the public service by recognizing and rewarding officials and employees, individually or in groups, for their suggestions, inventions, and superior accomplishments. In 2003, DILG Region 6 conceived its own awards system named Performance Incentive for Service And Novelty or also known as “PISAN.” PISAN is a Hiligaynon word which means industriousness. For 20 years of its implementation, it has produced regional and national finalists and 5 national winners on CSC DANGAL NG BAYAN and PAG-ASA awards, respectively which marked a milestone not only for Region 6 but for the Department. It has also produced awardees for the CapDev ACE by the Local Government Academy (LGA). Pagdayaw has always been the most anticipated event of the DILG Region 6 giving recognition and appreciation that indeed DILG lived up to its adage “matino, mahusay at maasahangkawani ng gobyerno.”

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday lauded the efforts of the 15 top-performing city and municipal local legislative councils for enacting responsive measures that created huge impact in their respective areas. In his message during the 2023 Local Legislative Awards (LLA) held in Pasay City, Abalos congratulated the local legislative champions for passing ordinances that shape for the better the social, economic, and environmental landscape of their cities and municipalities. “Your commitment to legislative excellence has not only set a standard for others to follow but has also significantly contributed to the advancement of our communities,” he said. “Congratulations and may you continue to be beacons of inspiration for local governance,” he added. This year’s national winners are Quezon City for the highly urbanized cities (HUC); City of Santiago in Isabela for independent component cities (ICC); and City of Bogo in Cebu for component cities (CC). Also, the municipality of San Mariano, Isabela for 1st to 3rd class municipalities; and Agoncillo, Batangas for 4th to 6th class municipalities. Meanwhile, the first and second runners-up are Mandaue City and Bacolod City for HUCs; cities of Ormoc in Leyte and Cotabato in Maguindanao for ICCs; and cities of San Fernando in Pampanga and Batangas for CCs, respectively. Also declared as first and second runners-up are the municipalities of Tigbauan in Iloilo and Floridablanca in Pampanga for 1st-3rd class municipalities; and Hungduan in Ifugao and New Lucena in Iloilo for 4th-6th class municipalities, respectively. They each received a Plaque of Recognition and a cash prize of P100,000 for the national winners, P75,000 for the 1st runners-up, and P50,000 for the 2nd runners-up, from the Philippine Councilors League (PCL). The Sanggunians were assessed based on their responsiveness to the legislative agenda, availability of legislative documents, effectiveness, efficiency, legislative citations and awards, and capacity development for legislators and staff. Among this year’s local legislative best practices are Quezon City’s free bus ride, and anti-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by Mandaluyong City and the City of Manila. The LLA is a joint initiative of the DILG, the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP), and the PCL to advance local governance and recognize grassroots legislative champions whose efforts significantly impact public service delivery. ###