Republic of the Philippines

DILG urges LGUs to cut power, fuel use by up to 20% Local government units (LGUs) nationwide are being urged to cut their electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent, as the national government pushes stricter energy conservation measures to help manage rising global energy pressures. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued the call through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2026-023, reinforcing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government offices to adopt energy-saving practices amid geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets. According to the DILG, local governments play a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency across the country.  “LGUs can lead by example by adopting simple but effective measures that reduce electricity and fuel consumption. Even small adjustments in daily operations can make a significant difference in achieving our goal of cutting energy use by as much as 20 percent.” Among the measures encouraged is the adoption of a four-day onsite work arrangement, either through a compressed workweek or by designating a common work-from-home day to reduce electricity consumption in government offices. LGUs are also urged to maximize virtual meetings, seminars, and workshops through secure digital platforms, except in cases where physical presence is legally required or operationally necessary. The circular likewise calls for limiting official travel to essential functions and strengthening fleet-efficiency measures to reduce fuel consumption and improve the fuel economy of government vehicles. Government offices are also encouraged to adopt energy-efficient workplace practices, including setting air-conditioning thermostats at 24°C and ensuring lights and equipment are turned off when not in use. The DILG emphasized that implementing these measures must not disrupt the continuous delivery of essential government services, particularly those related to health, public safety, and emergency response.

911 TO THE RESCUE: UNIFIED HOTLINE SPEEDS UP RESPONSE TO ROAD CRASHES, SAVES LIVES Every second counts during road accidents, and the government’s Unified 911 hotline is helping ensure faster coordination between citizens, police, and emergency responders to save lives. In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen public safety and protect the lives of Filipinos, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the centralized emergency system allows authorities to deploy responders more quickly to vehicular incidents nationwide. Earlier this year, the government tallied 1,113 road crash incidents following the holiday rush. The DILG said the National Call Center handled multiple emergency calls related to vehicular accidents, facilitating the rapid dispatch of police and emergency response teams. In Biñan City, Laguna, a victim reported sustaining a minor knee injury after being struck by a public utility jeepney (PUJ). Responding police personnel administered first aid and assisted both parties at the police station to resolve the incident. In Alitagtag, Batangas, a motorcycle collided with an automobile during a dragnet and hot pursuit operation, leaving two individuals injured after the car fled the scene. Police quickly brought the victims to a nearby hospital while authorities continued efforts to identify the driver. Meanwhile, personnel from the Makilala Police Station in North Cotabato rescued a driver after his 10-wheeler truck fell off a cliff. The victim was immediately transported to the municipal hospital for treatment. These incidents highlight how faster coordination through Unified 911 can mean the difference between life and death during emergencies on the road. Last year, President Marcos called for stronger action to prevent further loss of lives caused by road accidents following deadly incidents at the SCTEX toll plaza and NAIA Terminal 1 that claimed 12 lives. The government subsequently launched the Metro Manila Road Safety Plan 2024 to 2028, which seeks to reduce road crash fatalities by at least 35 percent by 2028. Along with Unified 911, authorities continue to strengthen road safety programs aimed at improving emergency response and protecting motorists and commuters. “Sa oras ng aksidente, hindi puwedeng mag-aksaya ng oras sa paghahanap kung sino ang tatawagan. Isang tawag lang sa 911, may tutugon agad,” the DILG said. “Unified 911 ensures that when Filipinos ask for help, the government responds immediately because saving lives will always be our highest priority.”

DILG digitally maps 167,000 km of roads, 17,000 bridges under Marcos transparency drive The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has digitally mapped 167,103 kilometers of local roads and 17,229 bridges nationwide through its enhanced Local Roads and Bridges Inventory (LRBI), giving government planners one of the most comprehensive datasets on local infrastructure in the country and strengthening transparency in public works under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for digital governance. The system, managed by the DILG’s Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), supports the administration’s directive to expand digital transformation in government and ensure infrastructure planning is guided by reliable, real-time data. As of December 31, 2025, the inventory shows that 30,525.13 kilometers are provincial roads, 16,784.66 kilometers are city roads, 15,965.73 kilometers are municipal roads, and 103,828.26 kilometers are barangay roads. For bridges, the system lists 3,269 provincial bridges, 1,884 city bridges, and 12,076 municipal bridges nationwide. Recognized under the Philippine Statistics Authority’s System of Designated Statistics, the LRBI serves as a key decision-support tool for policymakers, planners, engineers, and development partners involved in infrastructure planning, disaster risk reduction, urban development, and local economic growth. The upgraded LRBI also introduces integrated road names, road importance classifications, and an improved user interface, making the platform easier to navigate while allowing more detailed analysis of infrastructure needs and investment priorities. The DILG has urged all local government units to regularly update their road and bridge data in the system to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the national inventory. With clearer and more accessible information, both national agencies and LGUs can better identify connectivity gaps, prioritize infrastructure investments, and align local development projects with broader national growth and disaster resilience strategies. A netizen who commented during the platform’s launch described the LRBI as “very useful as a technical reference benefiting LGUs nationwide.” The DILG said the continued enhancement of  LRBI reflects the government’s push for stronger digital governance and more data-driven infrastructure planning to support local development across the country.

DILG ramps up decentralization push under Marcos directive, empowers LGUs to lead governance The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is intensifying its push for decentralization, strengthening local autonomy and empowering local government units (LGUs) to lead governance reforms, sustainable resource management, and community development across the country. Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to further strengthen local governance and maximize the gains of decentralization, the DILG has expanded its initiatives to equip LGUs with the policy tools, research support, and institutional platforms needed to lead reforms at the local level. Through its Decentralization and Local Governance Reform Advocacy Program (DLGRAP), the Department has convened national forums, research conferences, and capacity-building initiatives that place LGUs at the center of policy innovation and local development. Among the key activities was the forum on Sustainable and Equitable Administration of Waters, Aquatic Resources and Development in Aklan, which culminated in the adoption of the Boracay Declaration and Call to Action. The declaration reflects the collective commitment of local governments to protect coastal resources while ensuring that development remains inclusive and beneficial to local communities. The forum also examined the implications of the Supreme Court ruling in BFAR vs. Mercidar Fishing Corporation, highlighting the need for clearer policies on municipal water jurisdiction and stronger protection for municipal fisherfolk. To further strengthen evidence-based policymaking, the Department conducted 20 decentralization conferences nationwide attended by representatives from government, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. A total of 86 research studies were presented covering key governance issues such as fiscal autonomy following the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, the professionalization of barangay officials, digital governance, and youth participation through the Sangguniang Kabataan. These studies will be compiled into thematic publications this year to guide policy development and future governance reforms. DLGRAP also strengthened youth engagement through the National Youth Summit 2025 themed “KASIKAT: Empowering Our Roots, Shaping Vibrant Governance,” highlighting Indigenous Peoples’ representation and youth leadership in local governance. Meanwhile, the Department launched a Barangay Merger Toolkit in Ormoc City to guide LGUs exploring barangay consolidation as a strategy to improve administrative efficiency and improve public service delivery. This year, the DILG, through DLGRAP, will further expand stakeholder engagement through Talakayang Maihayag sa Bayan on Decentralization, a multi-sector platform that will surface reform proposals and policy recommendations from decentralization studies. The Department will also convene the 2026 ReDeCon to consolidate support for key reforms identified in last year’s commissioned research.

DILG: MLGOOs STRENGTHEN RULE OF LAW, SUPPORT FAIR BARANGAY JUSTICE The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed the vital role of Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the Katarungang Pambarangay system functions effectively and fairly. Within the Katarungang Pambarangay system, MLGOOs guide barangay officials in observing proper procedures for mediation and conciliation, including the issuance of summons, the conduct of hearings, and adherence to due process under Republic Act No. 7160. The Department clarified that while the Lupon or Pangkat does not possess coercive power to physically compel attendance, the law provides clear consequences for unjustified non-appearance. Under Section 515 of the Local Government Code, refusal or willful failure to appear despite a valid summons may give rise to indirect contempt proceedings upon proper application before the court and may also affect the ability of parties to pursue claims or counterclaims. The DILG underscored that the absence of direct coercive authority is distinct from the existence of legal repercussions for disobedience, which are enforced through the courts. “Ang papel ng MLGOO ay tiyakin na ang proseso ay tama, malinaw, at naaayon sa batas. Sa ganitong paraan, napapanatili ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa ating mga institusyon,” the Department said. The DILG also expressed concern over the treatment of MLGOO Dexter Castro Narrido during a recent television interview, where he was subjected to undue humiliation while correctly discussing the application of the law. While scrutiny and debate are part of public service, these must be exercised with fairness, respect, and a shared commitment to clarity and understanding.

DILG, PDEA torch P4.56-B in Seized Drugs, Call It a Coordinated Campaign, Not a War on Drugs Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla today said there is no “war on drugs” in the Marcos administration but a coordinated “campaign” that prioritizes legal processes and collaboration across agencies. “Ayokong gamitin ang salitang war on drugs kasi ang war on drugs is may casualty. This is a campaign against illegal drugs. Itong nakikita natin ngayon ay collaboration ng whole of government, barangay at PNP hanggang PDEA,” Remulla said. “This is the product of hardwork, this is the product of collaboration. Trust the process. Trust your local officials. We will do our best for the country,” he added. Remulla joined  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General, Undersecretary Isagani Nerez at the Integrated Waste Management facility in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City today for the destruction of 1.136 tons of illegal drugs and controlled substances valued at P4.56 billion that were seized in recent nationwide anti-drug operations. The  substances which were loaded  into a thermal decomposition chamber included 555 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), 442 kilograms of marijuana, 117 kilograms of cocaine, 1.66 kilograms of MDMA (ecstasy), 15.8 kilograms of ephedrine, 0.507 kilogram of ketamine, as well as liquid meth, amphetamine, toluene, and expired medicines. Remulla emphasized that the destruction followed strict legal procedures, including court authorization, after the items had been presented as evidence in resolved cases. “Sa campaign on drugs, sumusunod tayo sa batas, sa proseso at ginagawa natin ang tama. Ito ang Bagong Pilipinas.” Also destroyed were over 43,000 grams of marijuana (kush) and more than 102,000 grams of cocaine recovered along Palawan’s shorelines between late last year and early this year. The event was witnessed by representatives from law enforcement agencies, the Department of Justice, NGOs, media partners, and local barangay officials, reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process.

Going backyard: DILG cites 16.6k HAPAG sites as buffer vs. economic uncertainty Amid persistent oil price hikes and volatile commodity costs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging Filipino families to “go backyard,” citing a total of 16,609 HAPAG (Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay) sa Barangay gardens nationwide as a practical buffer against economic uncertainty. This aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent assurance that the government is closely monitoring market movements and implementing safeguards to cushion Filipinos from external economic shocks. The DILG said the community gardens are now operational across the country, helping communities improve food access and reduce household spending as global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to affect fuel and food prices. Launched in 2023, the HAPAG sa Barangay program promotes backyard gardening and shared community spaces to grow fresh produce, strengthening food security at the grassroots level. By 2025, nearly 700,000 households have established their own backyard gardens, supporting local government efforts on nutrition and sustainable urban agriculture. The DILG emphasized that surplus harvests from these gardens can serve as a “natural price stabilizer,” as produce is either consumed directly or sold at significantly lower costs within communities.  In 2025 alone, HAPAG initiatives contributed an estimated ₱12 million in earnings for participating communities. One netizen noted the urgency of the program amid rising prices: “Tama po na magtanim lalo na ngayon na nagtataasan na naman ang presyo ng bilihin gawa ng nangyayari sa Middle East.”  Another highlighted its role in addressing hunger: “Ayos ‘yan nang mawala ang nagugutom o mabawasan man lang.” The DILG also reported a significant increase in policy support for urban gardening. As of latest monitoring, 36,979 ordinances have been enacted nationwide to institutionalize community gardens, up from 24,238 in the first semester of the previous year. Through urban gardening initiatives such as the HAPAG sa Barangay project, alternative sources of agricultural commodities are within reach for Filipinos to ease their financial strain amid ongoing increases in food and oil prices.

Unified 911 Now Blocks AI and Robo Prank Calls to Protect Real Emergencies The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the country’s modernized Unified 911 system can now detect and filter AI-generated and automated prank calls, strengthening the government’s ability to respond quickly to real emergencies. The enhanced capability helps ensure that emergency operators and responders can focus on Filipinos who genuinely need urgent assistance. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen public safety systems, verification mechanisms have been integrated into Unified 911 to identify suspicious and automated calls before they disrupt emergency response operations. Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo said the upgraded system can now recognize patterns linked to AI-generated calls and robo-dialing used for prank or misleading reports. “May nakarating sa akin na nag-report na AI-generated. Ngayon, sa Unified 911 with our modernized system, nafi-filter natin ‘yang mga robo-calls at AI-generated,” Fajardo said during the DILG Kapihan held today. “Meron kasi tayo sa system natin na nava-validate natin kung ‘yan ay AI-generated. Sa system, nakikita na natin ‘yan,” he added. Though data from the National Call Center showed that prank and abandoned calls dropped by 98.3 percent since the modernized system was launched in September 2025, suspicious or non-emergency calls still consume valuable system capacity and may delay assistance to legitimate callers in distress. The DILG said prank and automated calls can clog emergency lines and delay response to real incidents such as accidents, crimes, fires, and medical emergencies. To protect the hotline’s capacity, the system now tracks numbers that repeatedly place suspicious or non-emergency calls. Numbers that show a pattern of prank reporting are automatically assigned lower priority, allowing operators to prioritize verified emergencies. The Department reminded the public that every unnecessary call to 911 risks delaying help for someone whose life may be on the line. “Iwasan na po natin tumawag kung hindi naman emergency. By the time na kayo na ang mangailangan ng tulong, baka hindi kayo agad masagot,” Fajardo said. The DILG reiterated that Unified 911 is strictly for emergencies and urged the public to help protect the system by using the hotline responsibly so responders can reach those in danger without delay.

DILG Deploys 800 Tourist Police to Secure Key PH Destinations The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will deploy 800 tourist police officers across major tourism areas in the country to strengthen safety and security in key destinations. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the deployment will begin in April following the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT). “The President has approved my plan that beginning April, we will launch together with the Department of Tourism the tourist police,” Remulla said. The initiative aims to increase police visibility in high-traffic tourist areas, deter criminal activity, and ensure faster emergency response while creating a safe and welcoming environment for both visitors and local businesses. Remulla said the 800 tourist police officers will be equipped with motorcycles to allow better mobility in crowded tourist sites and remote scenic areas. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will distribute new motorcycle units dedicated for the deployment. Initial rollout sites include Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Poblacion in Makati, Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa. Apart from strengthening security, the tourist police will also help promote the country’s central emergency hotline to ensure that visitors can quickly reach authorities during emergencies. “Every tourist that arrives in the Philippines will be given the calling card of 911. Para alam nila na we have a 3-minute response time kahit nasaan sila sa Pilipinas,” Remulla explained. In 2025, the government’s Unified 911 system recorded a 97 percent response efficiency rate for nearly four million calls received nationwide. The system has also handled incidents in several tourist destinations, in line with the directive of President Marcos to prioritize tourism safety. Remulla said strengthening tourism safety also brings economic benefits, particularly to the country’s middle class. “When you improve tourism, it’s the middle class that benefits. They contribute the most and they get the very least benefit. We have to strengthen the middle class and make the country better,” he said.

DILG TO SUPPLIERS: NO CORRUPTION, ONLY FAIR DEALS IN PROCUREMENT The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured private sector partners on Friday that all procurement transactions with the Department will be conducted fairly, transparently, and without corruption, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for honest and transparent governance and Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s directive to strengthen accountability across all government dealings. The assurance was made during the DILG Procurement Summit in Quezon City, where supply officers, procurement personnel, and private sector suppliers and service providers gathered to strengthen cooperation and promote transparency in public procurement. DILG Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Omar V. Romero, who also serves as the Department’s Head of the Procuring Entity (HoPE), underscored the Secretary’s firm directive to uphold integrity within the Department and its attached agencies. “You have seen our Secretary and his initiatives against corruption within the DILG. If there are any irregularities or improper activities, the Department will not hesitate to pursue cases to the full extent of the law,” Romero said. He stressed that corruption persists only when both sides tolerate irregular practices. “Kung magkatapat ang loko-lokong supplier at loko-lokong government employee, they will both be happy. But it will bring down the agency,” Romero warned. Romero assured suppliers that the DILG is committed to building ethical partnerships with the private sector and ensuring that legitimate suppliers are treated fairly in all procurement processes. “That’s my promise as Head of the Procuring Entity. We will treat you fairly,” he said. He also encouraged suppliers to report any irregularities they may encounter. “If anyone in the DILG is asking for anything illicit, please let us know. Inform my office. The Secretary has a very strict ‘No Take’ policy,” Romero added. Romero emphasized that procurement is a critical government function that must be carried out with integrity and efficiency. “Procurement is an essential government function. No agency can perform without it. So we have to do it right and on time,” he said. Organized by the DILG Procurement Management Division under the Administrative Service, the summit was attended by Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Comptrollership Ester A. Aldana; supply officers from the DILG Central Office; representatives from DILG regional offices in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and MIMAROPA; and private sector suppliers and industry partners.