DILG, VMLP Launch Sanggunian Derby to Champion Legislative Excellence Across Western Visayas The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI and the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) Region VI formally launched The SANGGUNIAN: Regional Legislative Immersion and Parliamentary Derby on June 22, 2026, at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall of the Kalibo Municipal Hall in Aklan, marking a significant step toward strengthening legislative governance and parliamentary excellence in Western Visayas. The opening ceremony brought together officers and members of VMLP Region VI and its provincial chapters from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras, alongside officials and personnel from DILG Regional Office VI, the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the Municipal Government of Kalibo. The gathering underscored a shared commitment among local government leaders to elevate the quality of local legislation and promote innovation in legislative practice.  A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DILG Region VI and VMLP Region VI, formalizing their partnership in advancing legislative competency, enhancing parliamentary procedures, and fostering responsive and accountable local governance throughout the region.  The launch also featured the presentation of the Derby Mechanics, followed by an open forum that provided participants with an opportunity to clarify guidelines, discuss expectations, and explore avenues for meaningful participation. The session encouraged active engagement among local legislators and reinforced the Derby’s objective of cultivating a culture of excellence and continuous learning within local sanggunians. Further energizing the event was the Formal Call for Entries led by VMLP Region VI President and Vice Mayor Arvin Losaria, who challenged local legislative bodies to showcase their best practices, innovations, and achievements through the competition. The call was met with strong enthusiasm, as several local government units had already expressed their intent to participate even before the official announcement, reflecting widespread support for the initiative and a growing desire among local legislative councils to benchmark and improve their performance. Messages of support from representatives of the Provincial Government of Aklan, the Municipal Government of Kalibo, and the various VMLP Provincial Chapters highlighted the strong collaboration among stakeholders and emphasized the importance of empowering local legislative institutions as partners in community development. As the Sanggunian Derby officially begins, it signals the start of a regional movement aimed at nurturing more effective, innovative, and excellence-driven local legislatures. Through healthy competition, knowledge sharing, and parliamentary immersion, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of local sanggunians to enact responsive policies and deliver meaningful results for their constituents, ultimately contributing to stronger and more resilient communities across Western Visayas.

DILG Region VI Strengthens CSO Engagement Through Capability Building for CSO Desk Officers The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI, through its Support to Local Governance Program (SLGP), successfully conducted the virtual training entitled “Regional Institutional Development Support for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): 2026 Capability Building for CSO Desk Officers” on June 17–18, 2026 via Zoom, gathering 91 CSO Desk Officers from across Western Visayas. The two-day capacity-building activity reaffirmed DILG’s commitment to fostering participatory governance by enhancing the competencies of local government personnel tasked with facilitating meaningful engagement between local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations. In her opening message, Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV, emphasized the critical role of CSO Desk Officers in advancing transparency, accountability, and responsive governance at the local level. She underscored the need to continuously strengthen partnerships with civil society stakeholders and equip frontline officers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively support CSOs and Local People’s Councils (LPCs). Highlighting their strategic role in local governance, Sardua stressed, “The CSO Desk Officer is the strongest link between the CSOs and the LGU.” She noted that empowered and capable desk officers are instrumental in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and integrated into local development processes and decision-making. The training served as a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of CSO Desk Officers, the institutionalization of participatory governance mechanisms, and the promotion of productive partnerships between LGUs and civil society organizations. Discussions also focused on relevant policies, programs, and best practices that support inclusive governance and strengthen community participation in local affairs. Further enriching the learning experience was the collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VI. Through this partnership, participants gained practical insights on coaching CSOs in local development planning and budgeting, enhancing CSO-LGU relations, and identifying effective strategies for citizen engagement. The activity also provided participants with opportunities to learn from successful practices across local government units, assess the functionality of existing CSO Desk and Local People’s Council mechanisms, and formulate localized action plans aimed at strengthening participatory governance in their respective areas. By investing in the capacity of CSO Desk Officers, DILG Region VI continues to advance its mission of empowering local governments and communities to work together in creating more inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance systems. The initiative further highlights the Department’s recognition of civil society organizations as indispensable partners in local development and nation-building.

Remulla Calls for Greater Accountability, Stronger Criminal Liability for Negligent Gun Owners Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has called for a more comprehensive law that would hold negligent firearm owners criminally liable when their registered firearms are used in the commission of a crime. Speaking during a press conference at Camp Crame, Remulla said there is no law that explicitly imposes criminal liability on firearm owners whose weapons are used by others to commit crimes. “People have to be responsible gun owners or gun operators. People have to take accountability. Sa nangyari dito, wala kaming ma-charge dahil bitin ang batas.” he said. The DILG chief explained that the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, currently serves as the basis for the charges that may be filed against firearm owners. “There is an infirmity in the law. Walang concomitant responsibility ang gun owner kung gagamitin ng iba ang baril nila para pumatay ng tao, where, I believe, ikaw ang sole responsible person basta nakalisensya sa’yo yung baril,” he said. In the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, Remulla said the police officer whose service firearm was used in the incident will face charges of malversation, as well as an administrative case to be investigated by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). Meanwhile, he noted that private firearm owners are generally subject only to civil liability, similar to the case of the security agency where the other firearm used in the incident was registered. Remulla emphasized that responsible gun ownership requires firearms to be securely stored under lock and key and kept out of the reach of unauthorized persons. “Kung ikaw ay mahilig sa baril, kung ikaw ay may service firearm, dapat itago ‘yan. Dapat walang nakahawak na iba.” He urged lawmakers to strengthen the country’s firearms laws to impose greater accountability on licensed gun owners. “I recommend to Congress that they rewrite the IRR of gun ownership and responsibility in owning firearms and put criminal aspects into the illegal use or illegal transfer of their guns,” he said. The DILG chief likewise urged advocates of responsible gun ownership to work with lawmakers in pushing for legal reforms that would impose stricter penalties and help prevent similar crimes from happening in public spaces and educational institutions.

DILG Flags Violent Video Games, Urges Congress to Study Possible Ban The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has raised concerns over the potential impact of violent video games on young people and is urging Congress and relevant government agencies to study possible measures, including a potential ban. Speaking before the media, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed alarm over the possible harmful effects of repeated exposure to violent content in gaming. “Maraming puwedeng malubhang mangyayari. Now having said that, I believe also that games espousing violence like Gorebox should be permanently banned in the Philippines,” he said during a press conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday. The call comes amid renewed public concern over learner safety following the reported school shooting in Tacloban City involving 14- and 15-year-old suspects that left three students dead and injured others. The incident has intensified discussions on potential influences and risk factors affecting young people, including exposure to violent digital content. Remulla said violent video games may influence the behavioral development of the youth. “[Games] desensitize young people into the elements of death, elements of violence, and elements of murder,” he said. He emphasized that government intervention should be explored to address the issue. “Congress should also study the matter kung paano mapigilan ito,” he said. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino youth and promoting responsible engagement with digital platforms.

Remulla Urges Public to Report School Violence Threats to Unified 911 Immediately Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged the public to immediately report any threats or discussions involving planned violence through the Unified 911 emergency hotline, following the swift action of authorities on an alleged threat against students of Tolosa National High School in Tolosa, Leyte. The prompt reporting and rapid response of law enforcement helped prevent a potential incident, allowing authorities to immediately assess and neutralize the threat. “Ito po ay panawagan ko sa lahat ng mga netizens natin. Kung may makita po kayo na kahit anong threat, or imminent threat, or chatter sa mga group discussions, na mayroong gustong gawing mass shooting or violence to be inflicted, please call 911 and inform (us) right away,” Remulla said. Authorities acted swiftly after a threatening social media post circulated online warning of a possible shooting or stabbing incident at the school, causing concern among students, parents, school personnel, and the wider community. Based on the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the post was traced to a 14-year-old Grade 10 student of the same school who allegedly created multiple social media accounts to spread the threatening message directed at Tolosa National High School. Authorities later declared the threat neutralized after finding no evidence of an organized plot, accomplices, or access to firearms. Remulla stressed that all reports of possible violence must be treated seriously, regardless of whether they ultimately prove credible. “Any threat is considered live until it is neutralized,” he said. “Basta may makita kayong kahit konti man na babala na meron mangyayaring karumal-dumal, magsabi kayo kaagad. Tumawag kayo sa 911, sabihin n’yo kung ano ang nakita ninyo para maimbestigahan kaagad,” he added. The DILG chief noted that the recent school shooting in Tacloban may have influenced the situation in Tolosa, underscoring the importance of vigilance and early reporting. “It [Unified 911] will go a long way in stopping a repeat of what happened last Monday,” Remulla said. He likewise thanked Senator Bam Aquino for promptly alerting authorities about the reported threat, enabling law enforcement to immediately verify the information and take appropriate action.

DILG: SGLGIF Funds 5,711 Local Development Projects Nationwide Worth P11 Billion The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF), formerly the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), has funded 5,711 local development projects worth more than P11 billion, helping high-performing local government units (LGUs) deliver projects that improve communities and promote sustainable local development. Of the total projects funded, 5,273 have already been completed, benefiting communities through better infrastructure, stronger local economies, tourism development, environmental sustainability, and improved public services. The SGLGIF serves as the incentive mechanism of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), providing financial support to LGUs that demonstrate excellence in governance and enabling them to implement high-impact projects that directly benefit their constituents. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to strengthen local governance and empower communities through effective public investments, the program continues to produce tangible and lasting development gains across the country. While the SGLG Program was deferred in 2025 as the DILG transitions to a strengthened term-based assessment framework, previously awarded LGUs continue to implement projects funded through the SGLGIF. Among these is the Pasalubong Center in the Municipality of Luisiana, Laguna, funded under the 2023 SGLGIF. The facility serves as a one-stop hub for locally made products, expanding market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), boosting tourism, and creating additional livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs. In the Municipality of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, the Tanggal Dakkel Eco-Park, funded under the 2024 SGLGIF and inaugurated in early 2026, transformed an underutilized area into a community and tourism destination that is expected to attract more visitors, generate jobs, and contribute to the municipality’s long-term economic growth. “The SGLGIF proves that good governance delivers real results. By rewarding excellence in local governance, we enable LGUs to invest in projects that create jobs, strengthen local economies, improve public services, and uplift the lives of our people,” the DILG said. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining governance reforms that empower LGUs to translate exemplary performance into meaningful and lasting development outcomes for their communities.

DILG, NAPOLCOM Lead Nationwide Earthquake Drill to Strengthen Government Preparedness The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), joined the 2026 Second Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), underscoring the government’s commitment to building a culture of preparedness and ensuring that public institutions are ready to respond when disaster strikes. Around 1,000 personnel from the DILG and NAPOLCOM participated in the emergency simulation exercise, which tested response protocols, evacuation procedures, and coordination mechanisms designed to protect lives during major seismic events. The Department emphasized that preparedness remains one of the most important responsibilities of government, particularly in a country highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural hazards. While disasters cannot always be prevented, their impact can be significantly reduced through planning, coordination, and regular drills that prepare people to act decisively in moments of crisis. The National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen disaster resilience, improve public awareness of earthquake safety measures, and assess the effectiveness of existing contingency and response plans. Conducted simultaneously across the country, the exercise engages government agencies, local government units, schools, workplaces, and communities, making it one of the nation’s largest disaster preparedness initiatives. The DILG likewise renewed its call for active public participation and a whole-of-nation approach to disaster risk reduction and management, emphasizing that resilience is built not only through government action but through the preparedness of every community and every Filipino. The Department also urged all local government units (LGUs) to further strengthen coordination among local disaster response units and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, institutionalize the regular conduct of emergency drills, and ensure that contingency plans remain updated, responsive, and aligned with local risks. In addition, the DILG encouraged LGUs to maximize the use of the Operation L!STO Manual on Disaster Preparedness for Earthquakes, which provides practical, science-based guidance to help local governments institutionalize preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation measures before, during, and after major seismic events. As recent earthquakes in different parts of the country have shown, preparedness cannot begin when the ground starts shaking. It must be built long before disasters occur. Through sustained readiness efforts and strong coordination at all levels of government, communities can become safer, more resilient, and better equipped to protect lives when emergencies arise.

DILG-LGRRC VI Showcases PRAISE-tival of Best Practices: Sharing Innovations, Inspiring Excellence Across Western Visayas thru Brown Bag Session ILOILO CITY, June 16, 2026 – The Local Governance Regional Resource Center VI (LGRRC VI), through its Capacity Development (CapDev) Facility and Public Education and Citizenship Facility (PECF), successfully conducted its 1st Semester Brown Bag Session via Zoom, bringing together Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional and field personnel across Western Visayas for a meaningful exchange of knowledge, innovations, and best practices in local governance. The activity served as a platform for institutional learning and knowledge sharing by highlighting exemplary Sub-LGRRC initiatives nominated for the FY 2025 PRAISE-PISAN Awards. Participants gained valuable insights into innovative and replicable strategies that have enhanced local governance resource center operations, improved administrative efficiency, strengthened service delivery, and contributed to overall organizational performance. The session formally opened with inspiring messages from Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, CESO IV, Assistant Regional Director and LGRRC Manager, who underscored the importance of sustaining a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the Department. Featured during the session were outstanding initiatives from various field offices such as DILG Aklan’s AXLE Hub (Aklan eXponential LEarning Hub), DILG Iloilo Province’s Pillars of Innovation, and DILG Guimaras’ FastTracker V.2 and other digital innovations. These initiatives demonstrated how locally developed solutions can be leveraged to enhance organizational effectiveness, improve knowledge management, and promote excellence in public service. In his closing message, Medel M. Espinosa, Head of the CapDev Facility, encouraged participants to continue cultivating a culture of innovation and to actively share best practices that contribute to the strengthening of governance systems and the advancement of the Department’s mission. Through initiatives such as the Brown Bag Session, LGRRC VI continues to foster a vibrant learning environment that nurtures innovation, promotes collaboration, and advances excellence in local governance throughout Western Visayas, reaffirming its commitment to empowering local government units and strengthening governance institutions in the region. 

Building Brighter Futures: DILG-SBDP Delivers Classrooms and Opportunity to 628 Insurgency-Cleared Barangays For many children in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, access to education begins with something as basic as a classroom. Through the Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to bring quality education facilities closer to learners in insurgency-cleared barangays, helping create safer and more conducive environments for learning. Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a total of 645 school building projects worth P2.36 billion have been funded through the SBDP, benefiting more than 714,000 residents across 628 barangays nationwide. These projects are expected to deliver 782 classrooms, expanding access to education in communities that have long faced geographic and development challenges. To date, 629 classrooms have been completed. The remaining projects are in various stages of implementation, with 35 in pre-procurement, 42 under procurement, and 76 under construction. The Department said the new school buildings provide students with safe and conducive spaces to learn, study, and pursue better opportunities for themselves and their families. In Barangay Magsaysay, Dumaran, Palawan, a one-unit classroom building funded under the FY 2024 SBDP worth P2.5 million has transformed the learning experience of students. “Noong wala pa pong room, nagkakasiksikan po, wala pong electric fan, wala pong kuryente, tapos maalinsangan po,” one student recalled. Today, the difference is evident. “Naging komportable na po ang pagkaklase namin, may kuryente na po, may electric fan po, okay na po siya kasi may bagong appliances na po. Hindi na po kami nadidistract dahil sa init.” In Can-avid, Eastern Samar, a two-storey school building funded under the FY 2023 SBDP with an allocation of P6.61 million serves not only as a learning facility but also as an evacuation center during emergencies and disasters. “Previously, when floods affected the school, students and teachers would lose equipment and materials. But now, this two-storey school building also functions as an evacuation site, protecting not only people but vital tools for learning,” Barangay Captain Elgino J. Jarabe expressed. The SBDP reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to delivering safe and adequate classrooms, even in formerly conflict-affected communities. Beyond the structures being built, the program is creating opportunities for young Filipinos to learn, thrive, and help shape the future of their communities.

DILG Calls on LGUs to Maximize L!STO Manual for Earthquake Preparedness and Recovery In the wake of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local government units (LGUs) to maximize the use of the Operation L!STO Manual on Disaster Preparedness for Earthquakes to strengthen preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. Developed in 2023 by the DILG’s Local Government Academy in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and other stakeholders, the Manual provides science-based guidance for LGUs in delivering frontline services before, during, and after major earthquakes. It forms part of Operation L!STO, a national advocacy program that promotes disaster resilience through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. “At the community level, LGUs serve as the frontline of defense against earthquakes. This Manual empowers them to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from earthquake-related disasters,” the Department said. The Manual outlines actions for local chief executives (LCEs), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), and barangays across four stages: Early Preparedness, Pre-Hazard Preparedness, Minimum Critical Preparedness, and Early Recovery and Rehabilitation. Under Early Preparedness, LGUs are encouraged to conduct earthquake risk assessments, develop hazard maps, and formulate contingency plans as the foundation of disaster mitigation efforts. During Pre-Hazard Preparedness, LGUs are expected to finalize response protocols, enforce infrastructure safety standards, strengthen evacuation plans, establish public warning systems, and conduct regular simulation exercises, including participation in quarterly nationwide earthquake drills. When an earthquake occurs, the Minimum Critical Preparedness phase is activated, requiring the immediate implementation of disaster response plans and early recovery measures. The Manual includes a General Action Flowchart that guides interventions based on earthquake intensity levels classified as Alpha (Intensity IV), Bravo (Intensity V–VI), and Charlie (Intensity VII and above). For Recovery and Rehabilitation, LGUs are directed to activate pre-disaster recovery plans to facilitate damage assessment, mobilize recovery financing, and coordinate rehabilitation efforts. The Manual also highlights the importance of preparing a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report to guide recovery planning, policy improvements, and build-back-better initiatives. As the country remains highly vulnerable to seismic hazards, the DILG underscored the importance of institutionalizing preparedness and recovery mechanisms at the local level. The Department emphasized that tools such as the Operation L!STO Manual enable LGUs to take a more proactive and coordinated approach to disaster risk reduction, helping communities respond faster, recover sooner, and build greater resilience against future earthquakes.