Republic of the Philippines

Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. DILG Secretary Ramadhan Mubarak! The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), sends its warmest greetings to the entire Filipino Muslim community at the start of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Ramadhan is the month of fasting and reflection for our brothers and sisters in the Islamic faith where sacrifice, obedience, and discipline are observed. As you deepen your faith in this important month, may you continue to enliven your spirituality and practice the sacred text of the Holy Qur’an in your daily undertakings. Amid diversity, we are bonded by our monotheistic faith. May this month present us all with boundless opportunities toward genuine, inclusive, and sustained peace and development.###

Concerned by rising fire incidents in the country, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos urged Metro Manila residents to have their electrical lines inspected by competent Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel. This, as he announced that the BFP is planning to install a hotline number for residents of the National Capital Region where they can call and request for voluntary inspection of electrical connections of their houses to avoid fire incidents in their communities. BFP is one of the attached agencies of the DILG, along with the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, among others. Abalos made the announcement during the Ugnayan with DILG and Media held on Tuesday, where he urged NCR residents to have their electrical lines checked. During the same press briefing, BFP Director Louie S. Puracan reported that fire incidents are higher this year than last year. Puracan pointed out that there were already more than 3,200 fires recorded nationwide this year, about 26 percent increase from the same period last year, resulting in 74 casualties. Of the total number, 600 fire incidents have been reported in NCR from January to February of this year alone. Abalos said the BFP’s step to extend its services in barangays through its hotline can be a huge push in their goal to lessen fire incidents stating that most fire cases start from overheated appliances, especially electric fans. “Karamihan ng cause ng sunog ay electric fan. Bakit? Nag-o-overheat ang electric fan. Sa sobrang init, nagi-spark at iyan ang sanhi. Kaya ‘yung mga nakikinig ngayon, pag-ingatan n’yo mga electric fan n’yo,” Abalos said. He likewise advised the public to have their electrical connections and old electrical appliances checked or thrown out. Electrical ignition due to arcing and overloading, lighted cigarette butts were also identified as among primary causes of fires. According to Puracan, they are currently training their personnel so they could immediately respond should residents call them to inspect electrical wirings and systems in their homes. Puracan likewise advised the public to observe fire safety especially since March is the peak of the hot season which is exacerbated by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. ###

Aimed to formally adopt the DILG Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and ensure that all policies and initiatives are aligned with the commitments outlined in the plan, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6 held a two-day planning activity at J7 Hotel, Iloilo City from February 15 to 16, 2024. The activity was an opportunity for the participants from the DILG Regional, Provincial, and City offices to gather and devise new innovative strategies, policies and programs to ensure that their plans and initiatives contribute to the fulfillment of the Department’s priorities and desired outcomes for 2024 as committed in the DILG Strategic Plan. Community for Peace (C4PEACE) Program, was one of the programs that adjusted its strategies for 2024 to ensure its contribution to the DILG Strategic Plan 2023-2028 which is to strengthen peace and order, and secure communities as safe places to live, work, and do business. Hence, the conduct of the activity was entitled, “FY 2024 Regional Planning Conference and Target Setting cum Strategic Planning on the implementation of Communities for Peace (C4PEACE) Program.” Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV started the program with an inspirational message highlighting the importance of involvement in the discussion and cooperation to attain the missions and visions of the Department especially in addressing new challenges and issues in peace process that concerns security of the community. There were two planning activities conducted simultaneously. One group composed of designated planning officers that formulated the FY 2024 Operations Plan and Budget (OPB) and the other group are the focal persons that discussed in the C4PEACE Action Planning. The following day was allotted for plotting and harmonizing calendar of activities from both the field offices and regional office to ensure active participation and non-conflict in the implementation of the programs, projects and activities. The FY 2024 OPB was finalized then with the approval of the members of the Executive Committee. Concluding the activity, Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO IV commended the conduct of the planning conference for a job well done in the commitment setting. Following the Planning Conference was the activity on Formulation of the DILG Region 6 Standard Strategic Performance Monitoring System (SPMS) Success Indicators for the 1st Semester of CY 2024. This is to ensure that activities and targets that are planned to be carried out within the year as per OPB will be achieved and reflected in each DILG Region 6 personnel’s SPMS.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, to upscale the technical skills of department personnel especially on digital literacy and visual graphics design, among others. The program will be carried out through the DILG-BOOST (Building Opportunities and Overall Advancement for Personnel Through Skills Training of TESDA) Project. The DILG-BOOST Project focuses on providing opportunities for livelihood training programs to empower DILG personnel to acquire practical skills, for them to find supplemental source of income to enable holistic growth. Interested DILG personnel and their qualified dependents will also benefit from the free technical education and skills development training. Secretary Abalos said the Department is grateful to TESDA for the opportunity to encourage “holistic growth to its employees, consultants, and dependents of employees through the pursuit of continuous learning and training in technical education and skills development”. “Thank you for this BOOST Program. Nakita n’yo naman bibigyan ng skills training ang ating mga kawani dito. Sinisigurado ng DILG na anuman ang kasarian ay pantay-pantay ang karapatan, pantay-pantay ang trato at pantay-pantay ang oportunidad,” Abalos said. The project is specifically designed to provide opportunities for retirees to prepare and explore options that will extend their retirement benefits and to support the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act (RA) No. 9710. Under the MOA, the DILG is tasked to identify and endorse qualified participants and ensure that they shall finish the training program and undergo mandatory competency assessment. For dependents, those who are unemployed, underemployed, out-of-school youths (OSY), and individuals from disadvantaged and marginalized groups shall be prioritized in the training program. On the other hand, TESDA shall provide free skills training and competency assessment to qualified DILG-endorsed participants, and award certificates to those who  pass their respective competency assessments. For his part, Director General Mangudadatu said: “We are gathered today to mark a significant milestone in our collaborative journey to uplift and empower the Filipino people. We envision a future where every woman is capacitated to perform as well as their male counterparts and not be limited to gender stereotypes.” ###

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos pledged support for measures that promote early detection and prevention of all kinds of cancer. Abalos said early prevention was a life-saving measure in his personal journey as a cancer survivor. “Ang hirap, hindi po biro ito. But a lot of these things are preventable,” he said. He then explained that early treatment and detection had helped him survive his medical ordeal. Abalos continued: “And now I am cancer-free. That is why we have this convention so that everyone can have this same opportunity.” He issued the statement during his speech before the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission during the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2024, with the theme ‘Advancing Integrated Cancer Care Systems for the Filipinos’ in Quezon City recently. The summit aims to bring together both public and private stakeholders to address critical challenges and developments in the fight against the dreaded disease. In the Philippines, cancer is the third-leading cause of death, with over 140,000 new cases and 86,000 cancer-related deaths every year. The DILG Chief likewise urged government and private stakeholders to help LGUs achieve testing capacity for different types of cancer. He said the capacity of each LGU to address cancer detection and prevention must be harmonized towards developing a massive plan. “Importante talaga ang cancer prevention. However, not every LGU is wealthy. That is why we really have to benchmark pagdating dito sa mga tests kung ano ang kaya. A lot of LGUs want to have these functions, kaya tulungan natin sila,” Abalos elaborated. He continued that improved health care must be one of the top priorities of planned LGUs devolution. “Ano ba ang kaya ng cities, municipalities, and provinces? Up to what extent?” he continued. Abalos said the DILG, in its capacity as a member of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) council, has taken steps aimed at both expanding the benefits afforded to cancer patients and promoting health education geared towards cancer prevention and preparedness. This includes the inclusion of cancer and other rare disease patients as persons with disabilities (PWDs) under Memorandum Circular 2022-017, and the recent DILG-AstraZeneca partnership, which provided free testing machines for chronic kidney disease (CKD) detection. Abalos noted the DILG is also collaborating with LGUs to identify which early detection and screening services they can offer to their constituents. He likewise  cited the ‘LAB For All’ caravan by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos that brings free medical and laboratory services to various localities. Abalos also mentioned the 1000 Days Coalition that addresses growth stunting on newborn children brought by malnutrition.###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos recently convened the Council on Good Local Governance (CGLG) in Cebu City. The activity was aimed at discussing the proposed criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment for 2024- 2025. During the meeting, Abalos said local government units (LGUs) registered positive performance and excelled in the following assessment criteria: Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Tourism Heritage Development, Culture and the Arts; and Sustainable Education. “Natutuwa ako sa mataas na pagpapahalaga ng mga LGUs sa kalusugan, turismo at edukasyon base sa lumabas sa assessment para sa SGLG nitong nakaraang taon.  Ipagpatuloy lang natin ang pagsisikap sa mga areas na ito,” he said. The DILG Secretary,  however, said LGUs must strengthen their efforts on social protection and sensitivity as well as financial administration and sustainability which registered the lowest compliance rates during SGLG assessments. Created under Republic Act 11292 or the SGLG Act, the CGLG is chaired by the DILG and composed of representatives from 9 national government agencies and a representative from the basic sectors nominated by the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Among its tasks are to ensure proper implementation on promulgating performance standards of the criteria; and deliberating final assessment results prior to approval of the SILG. SGLG is an award, incentive, honor and recognition-based program for LGUs that aims to challenge them to continue good governance practices while providing better public services. During the same meeting, Abalos and Undersecretary Marlo Iringan emphasized the significance of aligning objectives and ensuring the effective execution of the SGLG assessment process. “Nagsisimula pa lang po tayo, mahaba-haba pa po ang pagsasamahan natin sa taong ito, at ngayon pa lang ay nagpapasalamat na ako sa inyong suporta,” Abalos stressed. ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has called on local government units (LGUs) to help one another by sharing best practices to attain sustainable community development, and help realize the vision of the Bagong Pilipinas. Abalos issued the call  during the recent General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). The event was aimed at helping accelerate the implementation of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level. “Lubos akong nagtitiwala sa LMP to gather the best ‘sharers’ and practitioners in the field who will enable not only knowledge sharing, but also transfer of technology and experiential learning sa pagtitipon na ito,” Abalos said. The 17 SDGs were established in 2015 as an urgent call to action by all countries to tackle global challenges. All countries have agreed to work towards achieving them by 2030. In his message, Abalos emphasized the importance of good local governance, noting that LGUs are closer to the level where actions are more likely to produce measurable results in a more responsive and inclusive process. He likewise highlighted steps taken by the DILG, in collaboration with partner national government agencies and LGUs that directly aid the realization of the 17 SDGs. Some of these goals are poverty elimination, zero hunger, good health and well-being and quality education. They also include clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action. “Napakarami nating trabaho at responsibilidad sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Ngunit naniniwala ako na walang imposible sa pagtutulungan at kolaborasyon ng buong gobyerno at mamamayan, sa pamumuno ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Abalos said. He also pushed for a whole-of-nation and whole-of-governance approach to achieve results. ###

Representing DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO, delivered a message during the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Galing Pook Awardees Exhibit Series Iloilo Leg at SM City Iloilo Event Center, Iloilo City. The exhibit showcased the 10 Outstanding Local Governance Programs of the 2023 Galing Pook Awards, with a special feature on Iloilo Province and their groundbreaking initiative, Zero to Limpyo Iloilo: Movement for a Province-wide ZOD. In his message, RD Ingeniero recognizes the role of Galing Pook in promoting models of good governance. He also emphasized that Ilonggos should take pride in the fact that their local officials are actively seeking for strategic solutions to address pressing concerns in the Province. RD Ingeniero also believes that service delivery of public servants should extend beyond the confines of what is comfortable, addressing the present needs of the community while simultaneously envisioning a better future for the LGU. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, former DILG Secretary and current Chairperson of the Galing Pook Foundation. In his inspiring address, Mr. Sarmiento urged local government units (LGUs) to emulate the exemplary practices of their counterparts while tailoring them to suit their unique community. He commended the Province of Iloilo for pioneering such initiatives, not only in select municipalities but across the entire province, setting a commendable precedent for others to follow. Mr. Sarmiento’s remarks underscored the transformative potential for provinces nationwide, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing. He further encouraged Iloilo Province to extend support to visiting LGUs, serving as a beacon of guidance and inspiration. Present also during the opening ceremony are DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo F. Orbista, LGMED Chief Maricel M. Bechayda and Province of Iloilo Governor Hon. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. The Galing Pook Award program not only recognizes, capacitates, and promotes innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment, and excellence in local governance but also encourages the public to demand similar, initiatives from their local government units to nominate for the award, advocating for the creation of more resilient communities across the Philippines.#

Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) must be institutionalized and established in every local government unit nationwide to sustain the  Marcos administration’s gains in the economy that grew by 5.6 % in the last quarter of 2023. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos made the call during the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement along with Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and PESOMAP President Luningning Vergara. The MOA reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the institutionalization of PESOs in every province, city, and municipality in the country pursuant to Republic Act 10691 or the Amended PESO Act, and other relevant rules and regulations. Among the functions of PESOs are to provide multi-dimensional employment facilitation services, employment information services to job seekers, and recruitment assistance to employers. PESO also conducts employability enhancement seminars; employment counseling; and reintegration assistance services to returning Filipino migrant workers. In his message, Abalos explained that under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s guidance and direction, the country’s 3.1 unemployment rate in December 2023 is at its lowest in nearly 20 years, and the Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. “We, therefore, need to ensure that these positive gains are sustained and further improved for the benefit of our people.  And today’s signing pushing for PESO institutionalization is a step towards that direction,” he said. He continued that the DILG will continue to reinforce measures to ensure PESO institutionalization with its inclusion as one of the criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). Secretary Abalos also underscored that employment is one of the key drivers of the economy. “Kung marami ang walang trabaho sa isang lugar, isang senyales ito na bumabagsak o bagsak ang ekonomiya”. According to him, there is a need to set aside politics to ensure continuity by institutionalizing PESOs and the PESO officer in LGUs. “Kung magpapalit ng magpapalit PESO officer (dahil sa pulitika), mahirap po iyon dahil meron na silang institutional knowledge, marami na silang seminar na nadaluhan at sila mismo ang tumutulong sa mga manggagawa na makahanap ng trabaho,” Abalos said. He shared that during his term as Mandaluyong City mayor, his office and the Mandaluyong PESO were regularly partnering with big companies to conduct job fairs to help their constituents find work. “Maganda ang performance ng Mandaluyong PESO hanggang ngayon, as it is always being cited by the DOLE as one of the best performing PESOs,” he said. For his part, Secretary Laguesma said: “Let us continue to work hand in hand as partners in progress serving and striving towards our common goal of achieving 100 percent fully institutionalized PESOs  nationwide.” ###

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday announced that 75 local government units (LGUs) from across the country will each receive P13.33M to be used for the improvement of water supply and sanitation in their respective localities. The amount will come from Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (SAFPB) Program, as prescribed by Republic Act 11975 or the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024. SAFPB is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening the partnership and collaboration between LGUs and civil society organizations (CSOs). In his speech during the SAFPB event held in Cebu City, Abalos reminded the LGUs to be accountable and make sure that the fund will only be used on its intended purpose of improving their water sources and sanitation facilities. “Pag binigay namin sa inyo ang benepisyo, may kasama itong mga responsibilidad. Even if you mean well, gamitin natin ng tama ang pribilehiyo na naipagkaloob sa inyo,” he said. The program covers projects ranging from the construction, expansion, and rehabilitation of Level III water supply systems or existing sanitary toilets and hygiene facilities for public places. Abalos added that despite the recent improvements in water and sanitation, more localities still need crucial assistance from the government, especially those without an identified water source and those that are geographically isolated. The DILG Chief elaborated that the program is in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call of increasing local access to reliable and clean sources of water. The program is also in line with the Philippines’ Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), which was institutionalized by the President through Executive Order No. 31 dated June 20, 2023. “We shall comply with this directive of the President. Lalo na ngayon na may El Niño, we must not just govern but also foster a culture of genuine engagement so that workable solutions could flow from there,” Abalos emphasized. In the same speech, he also called for the support of the LGUs towards the Department’s other initiatives, such as averting rising HIV-AIDS cases among the youth, the resurging problem of tuberculosis, and the urgent need to solve growth stunting brought by malnutrition. Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the program also aims to “accelerate access to safely-managed and resilient water and sanitation services in lagging municipalities nationwide.” ###