Republic of the Philippines

   DILG HAILS BJMP FOR 10% DROP IN JAIL CONGESTION, SUPPORTS PRESIDENT MARCOS’ HUMANE JUSTICE AGENDA  The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for reducing the national jail congestion rate by 10 percent, from 296 percent in May to 286 percent in September 2025, marking a significant step toward more humane and reformative jail management in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda. “This significant progress reflects your steadfast commitment to improving jail conditions and accelerating decongestion through effective paralegal work,” said DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Serafin P. Barretto, Jr., who represented DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, during the BJMP 3rd Quarter Management Conference held in Laurel, Batangas on Tuesday. “These are real, measurable results that prove reform works,” he added. In his message, Barretto praised BJMP’s commitment to improving jail conditions and delivering transformative justice, citing the agency’s progress in decongesting facilities and expanding rehabilitation programs. From January to September 2025, 69,052 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released through paralegal assistance, 84,926 benefited from Good Conduct Time Allowance, and 27,826 received Time Allowance for Study, Teaching, and Mentoring. Over 21,000 PDLs are also currently enrolled in formal education from elementary to senior high school, underscoring the BJMP’s dedication to rehabilitation and second chances. Barretto reiterated the Department’s commitment to fairness and accountability in the treatment of all detainees, following recent inspections of newly built jails in Quezon City and Pasay. Meanwhile, BJMP Jail Director Ruel Rivera affirmed that the Bureau can adapt to the needs of the times through its Jail Plan 2040 under the performance governance system. “We recognize that the journey ahead is long, but with resolute commitment and dedication to public service, we are confident in our ability to contribute to a safe, just, and prosperous Philippines,” he said. The DILG reaffirmed its full support for the BJMP’s ongoing efforts to decongest jails, improve facilities, and uphold the dignity of every PDL in line with President Marcos’ directive that “justice must go hand in hand with compassion.” ### 

DILG Reaffirms Commitment to LGU Empowerment, Transparency, and Citizen Participation on 34th Local Government Code Anniversary As the nation marks the 34th anniversary of the Local Government Code, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its full commitment to empowering local government units (LGUs) and strengthening transparency and citizen participation in governance. In a media interview, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan underscored how the Local Government Code of 1991 transformed governance by devolving powers and resources to LGUs. Before its passage, local governments were heavily dependent on the national government for projects and funding. “Kung sino ang may koneksyon at kakilala sa national government, yung mga nandito sa Metro Manila, sila lang ang kalimitang nakakakuha ng programa at proyekto para sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he said. Through the Code, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays gained a 40 percent share from national internal revenue taxes, enabling them to plan and implement programs that respond directly to community needs. With the Mandanas-Garcia ruling now in effect, LGUs receive an even greater share under the National Tax Allocation (NTA), sourced from all national government taxes. Undersecretary Iringan also highlighted the Department’s continuing drive for good governance and accountability through training programs for newly elected officials and the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which assesses LGU performance in financial administration, disaster preparedness, peace and order, social protection, and business friendliness. On disaster readiness, he cited the Department’s Operation Listo protocols that guide LGUs and communities in preparing for calamities. He also mentioned the conduct of peace and order audits and anti-illegal drug abuse performance reviews to strengthen public safety nationwide. Underscoring collaboration between the national government and LGUs, he said, “Nakasaad naman doon sa Local Government Code na may mga proyekto na dapat may proper consultation with the local government at mga mamamayan.” In his message to local officials, he reminded, “Ang mandato na nakuha natin mula sa ating mga mamamayan ay isang responsibilidad na dapat nating gampanan ng maayos. Makipagtulungan ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan sa national government nang sa ganoon ay lalo pa nating mapabilis na makamit ang ating hangarin para sa ating bansa at para sa ating mga bayan-bayan.” The DILG’s continuing efforts reflect the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a “Bagong Pilipinas” that builds progress from the grassroots up. The Department remains steadfast in empowering local governments, institutionalizing good governance, and deepening citizen engagement to build a stronger and more responsive nation. ###ady localities and ensuring a safer infrastructure sector for all Filipinos. ###

DILG enjoins LGUs to conduct infrastructure audit on buildings to strengthen earthquake readiness1 To help communities prepare for the threat of high-magnitude earthquakes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct comprehensive infrastructure audits on both public and private buildings within their jurisdictions. The DILG emphasized that assessing the structural integrity of buildings is crucial to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of casualties and damage during major seismic events. Beyond auditing key public facilities such as hospitals, schools, government offices, and emergency response centers, the DILG aims to expand the infrastructure audit to include privately owned structures. “With the increasing frequency and intensity of earthquakes, proactive preparedness is our best defense,” the DILG said. “Through harmonized audits, stronger partnerships, and evidence-based planning, we can build safer, more resilient communities across the country.” In 2024, the DILG partnered with key government agencies and stakeholders, including the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, to develop the Harmonized Infrastructure Audit Tool (HIAT). The HIAT provides a standardized framework for evaluating building resilience and identifying potential vulnerabilities before seismic disasters. To date, the DILG has trained 18 high-risk LGUs from the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, and Central Luzon, areas traversed by the West Valley Fault (WVF), to carry out infrastructure audits. As of October 15, another 12 LGUs in NCR and 20 LGUs in Cavite which are outside the WVF corridor have completed a similar training, with 10 LGUs in Central Luzon set to follow suit by the end of the month. As part of the national roll-out, the Department has also developed a corps of trained coaches composed of technical experts from professional organizations, academic institutions, the DILG, and local government functionaries from 74 LGUs nationwide. These coaches are equipped to mentor local audit teams and cascade the use of HIAT across their respective regions. The DILG is also encouraging the private sector to partner with regional government agencies, engineering associations, and academic institutions through the Local Infrastructure Learning Hubs which will be established by the Department’s regional offices. These hubs will support local audit teams chaired by local chief executives and composed of building and disaster management officers. By institutionalizing innovative safety mechanisms and strengthening intersectoral collaboration, the DILG reaffirms its commitment to building disaster-ready localities and ensuring a safer infrastructure sector for all Filipinos. ###

DILG-R6 undergoes GAD Seal assessment The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI (DILG-R6) underwent Gender and Development (GAD) Seal on-site validation led by members of the National Assessment Committee (NAC) from the DILG Central Office. Institutionalized through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-070, the GAD Seal Certification Program serves as both an assessment mechanism and a recognition of the Department’s commitment to gender mainstreaming. The on-site validation, spearheaded by DILG Assistant Secretary Francisco Cruz, is a key phase of the certification process, aimed at assessing the region’s compliance with GAD standards, documenting innovative practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. In his welcome message, Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero expressed gratitude to the validation team, GAD Focal Point System members, and partner agencies for their steadfast collaboration and commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region. “This activity is a significant milestone for our Region as we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment within the Department and among our local government partners,” Ingeniero said. Ingeniero expressed their sustained push for gender-responsive service delivery. According to Ingeniero, “Guided by Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, and PCW Memorandum Circular No. 2011-01, we continue to integrate gender perspectives into our policies, programs, and operations to ensure that our systems are inclusive, responsive, and equitable.” Beyond assessment, the GAD Seal validation also fostered knowledge sharing, highlighting initiatives that can serve as models of gender-responsive governance nationwide. The GAD Seal Certification promotes gender-responsive governance by evaluating how regional and field offices have integrated gender and development principles into their systems and service delivery.

DILG Statement of Support for the Full Implementation of the Sagip Saka Act under Executive Order No. 101 The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expresses its full support for Executive Order No. 101 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., directing the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act. This initiative strengthens the government’s commitment to uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk by promoting direct procurement from accredited farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises (FFCEs). It ensures transparency and accountability in public spending while reinforcing local economies and advancing food security across the country. The DILG urges all local government units, as frontliners of local development, to support EO 101 by prioritizing the purchase of locally produced goods from FFCEs for their programs and projects,including local events, canteens, and disaster preparedness initiatives. The Department stands with the Department of Agriculture, other national agencies, and the Office of the President in advancing inclusive and transparent governance that drives rural development and uplifts Filipino communities under a Bagong Pilipinas. #

  DILG Delivers First 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu to Serve the Visayas  Help is now closer to every Filipino. Exactly 385 days after Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla took his oath, the first 911 Regional Command Center officially opened in Cebu City on Saturday, bringing faster emergency response and real-time coordination to the people of the Visayas. Secretary Remulla said this fulfills the very first promise he made to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to deliver a unified 911 system that uses next-generation technology and ensures that no Filipino is left behind in an emergency. “Today, we have one number: 911. It’s not about just the number. It is about being Filipino. Being Filipino means that we all respect each other. We respect each other enough that the service in Manila, that the service in Cavite is the same as the service here in Cebu, in Bohol, and in Mindanao,” he said. Remulla explained that for an archipelago like the Philippines with over 100 dialects, the 911 Regional Command Center in the Visayas enables the people from Cebu, Bohol, and nearby provinces to talk to a Visayan-speaking 911 operator on the other line, a service that respects the language, culture, and traditions of the people. “For the Philippines, being an archipelago of 100 plus languages. We must respect each other. And we must tolerate and respect and be together. Despite our differences in politics, differences, and everything else. We must realize that we are Filipinos. And the service must come as one,” he added. The first 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu revolutionizes emergency response by integrating the fire, medical, and rescue services under one unified system, aligning Cebu with global standards for rapid, coordinated, and effective crisis intervention. It uses next-generation advanced (NGA) technology with call handling and system capabilities that can pinpoint the exact location of the caller and first responders for faster emergency response. It also comes with an incident management system, consolidation of all communication channels, integration with Active Directory for call convenience, and report generation. In support of this initiative, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire Chief Director Jesus P. Fernandez committed the full integration of the BFP with partners from the Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG, and the local government units (LGUs), and pledged to support all public information campaigns to ensure responsible use of 911. PNP Chief Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. said the police force is ready with its vehicle support and equipment, such as body-worn cameras, to ensure improved emergency response. Meanwhile, Cebu Gov. Pamela S. Baricuatro expressed her gratitude to the President and Sec. Remulla, saying the center means clear communication, faster response, and stronger coordination among frontliners, the LGUs, and the people. Also present at the launch were DILG Undersecretaries Serafin P. Barretto Jr., Jon Paulo V. Salvahan, and Marlo L. Iringan; DILG Region VII Regional Director Leocadio T. Trovela; DILG Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Robel T. Sastrillo; BFP VII Regional Director Chief Supt. Fred Trajeras; Lapu-Lapu Congressman Junard Chan; Lapu-Lapu Mayor Maria Cynthia King-Chan; Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival; and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano. The 911 Regional Command Center in Cebu fulfills the President’s vision for a safer, more connected Philippines where help is just a call away. It is made possible through collaboration with PLDT Inc., Next Generation Advanced (NGA 911), Next Generation Core Services (NGCS), and e-PLDT. ###

PRANK CALLS NEARLY WIPED OUT: UNIFIED 911 FRAUD CALLS NOW BELOW 1%, DILG REPORTS The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced a major milestone in public safety communications, reporting that prank and fraudulent calls to the Unified 911 Hotline have dropped sharply from 60% in 2024 to just 0.17% this year. This remarkable turnaround followed the system upgrades implemented last September. During the 24th Emergency 911 Commission Conference, it was reported to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla that the upgraded Unified 911 system successfully handled 872,586 of 884,809 calls from September 8 to 24, achieving a 98.62% efficiency rate. Of these, only 1,495 were prank calls, while 12,223 were dropped or abandoned. The sharp decline is largely credited to the modernization of the system, which now includes geolocation tracking capability and an active caller directory that deprioritizes repeat prank callers and improves caller verification. The Philippine National Police (PNP) also reported a 400% increase in legitimate 911 calls requesting police assistance, rising from 4,634 to 19,761, all of which received proper response. The PNP likewise noted a significant reduction in prank calls across the country. Remulla has repeatedly reminded the public to use the hotline responsibly, warning that prank calls can delay or block life-saving emergency response. He also underscored the need to link the National ID and SIM registration systems to deter fraudulent or prank calls. “Success rate, for me, is reaching the point of emergency,” he said, as he urged the Emergency 911 Commission to regularly assess its response performance to further enhance efficiency. The DILG continues to expand the Unified 911 system through partnerships with the Department of Health (DOH) to integrate the TED and BED dashboards and with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) to connect the MAKABATA 1383 helpline. This milestone,  Remulla said, reflects the government’s commitment to deliver a public service that works when it matters most, in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a faster, smarter, and more compassionate Bagong Pilipinas. ###

More Than 900 LGUs Go Digital: Faster, Easier Services Within Reach Through eLGU System In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for full digital transformation in government, more than 942 local government units across the country have adopted the Electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) system, a unified platform that brings essential local services online for every Filipino. Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) under the eGov PH Super App, the eLGU system allows residents to apply for business, building, and working permits; secure community tax certificates and civil registry documents; and obtain barangay business clearances, all in one place, anytime and anywhere. To accelerate this shift to digital governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the eLGU Island-Wide Caravan covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Through this initiative, an additional 344 LGUs have pledged to adopt the system, with 134 now undergoing training and integration to ensure smooth implementation in their communities. As of the latest report, 41 cities and 901 municipalities are already using the eLGU system. The DILG also reported that 1,506 LGUs now meet the standards for processing new business permits, while 1,503 comply with renewal requirements, making it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to operate and grow. The DILG remains committed to building a government that is transparent, responsive, and people-centered. Through the eLGU system, technology becomes a bridge that

DILG: Over 785K residents in 620 insurgency-cleared barangays benefit from completed SBDP-funded health stations A total of 785,897 residents in 620 insurgency-cleared barangays nationwide are now benefiting from 478 completed barangay health stations funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) from 2021 to 2025, amounting to P1.977 billion, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG emphasized that beyond the figures lies a story of hope and transformation for communities once left behind. These facilities bring health services closer to families who used to travel long distances for basic medical care. In Barangay Udtongan, City of Escalante, Nurse Ruffy J. Gasparillo shared that their barangay health station, manned by dedicated midwives and barangay health workers, provides free consultations, medicines, dental and laboratory services, family planning support, and basic first aid. “Napakahalaga ng barangay health station na ipinatayo sa pamamagitan ng SBDP dito sa Barangay Udtongan sapagkat mas naging accessible po ang pagbibigay ng mga health services sa mga constituents ng aming barangay,” Gasparillo said. For Punong Barangay Arnold Baingan of Barangay Calaoagan, Piat, Cagayan, the impact is deeply felt. Residents no longer have to travel nine kilometers to the Municipal Health Unit for medical assistance. “Naging mas madali, mabilis, at kumportable ang mga tao sa komunidad na nagpapa-konsulta sa aming barangay health station. Dahil regular po ang dating ng mga health workers, nakatakda na rin ang mga schedules ng mga kabarangay, lalo na sa mga may regular check-ups,” Baingan said. The DILG reported that 50 more barangay health stations are currently under construction, eight are in the procurement phase, and 82 are in pre-procurement. Aside from health stations, the SBDP also funds key infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, water supply and sanitation systems, rural electrification, agricultural facilities, housing, and rehabilitation works, all identified by barangay residents through the DILG’s Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and integrated into their Barangay Development Plans (BDPs). Both the RCSP and SBDP form part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-nation approach to achieving lasting peace and development, ensuring that every Filipino community, no matter how remote, has access to the services and opportunities they rightfully deserve. ###

  From Vision to Action: DILG R6 Champions Open Local Governance The DILG Region 6 officially opened the 34th Local Government Code Anniversary Celebration with the 2025 Development Talk — an advocacy program that promotes good local governance, innovation, and collaboration among local officials, NGAs, academe, and private institutions. This year’s DevTalk focused on Open Governance Partnership, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in building stronger communities. Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO III unpacked the region’s LG Code Month theme, “Tatag at Pagkakaisa,” underscoring how integrity and participation are cornerstones of effective governance. “Ang tunay na tatag ay nasusukat sa tunay na kakayahan nating magkaisa, magtulungan, at magtagumpay bilang isang rehiyon,” Ingeniero said. Asst. Secretary Josephine F. Cabrido-Leysa emphasized CSO empowerment, the value of public dialogues like Dagyaw in amplifying people’s voices, and DILG’s initiatives on open government partnerships. “I call on each of you to embrace OGP Localization – as a movement to anchor local governance in integrity, responsiveness, and genuine public service,” Leysa said. DBM VI Regional Director Maria Liane L. Gayomali shared insights on advancing open government globally and locally — from building multi-stakeholder partnerships to the Philippines’ leadership in the global Open Government community. DMO V Jennifer De Belen of the SLGP PMO capped the discussion by highlighting the localization of the Open Government Partnership, emphasizing that open government is best practiced at the local level, where the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation are brought to life. Participants also raised thought-provoking questions touching on entry points for the academe in OGP, the availability of third-party monitoring mechanisms across various NGAs, and how open governance can help curb corruption. The activity altogether, move toward a reality where transparency builds trust, participation builds buy-in, and accountability builds legitimacy.//