Photo by Jay Ganzon
THE P262.01 billion proposed budget allocated to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will ensure the delivery of services and the maintenance of the peace and order situation over the country, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said on Thursday.
Co, who heads the House Committee on Appropriations, said that the DILG is a “vital pilar” of the country’s government as it is also at the forefront of public safety maintenance and quick response needs.
“The Department of the Interior and Local Government is a vital pillar of governance in the Philippines. It plays a multifaceted role in maintaining peace and order, efficient local governance, and provide services in times of disaster. The DILG is the cornerstone in the nation’s pursuit of stability, progress, and resilience,” Co said in his speech at the start of the committee hearing on the department’s budget.
“Overall, the DILG is always the 1st responder of the government in times of disaster. An implementer of good governance and shared responsibility to create a just, accountable, and participatory society,” he added.
DILG’s P262.01 billion proposed budget is 1.0 percent higher compared to the P259.4 billion in 2023. However, Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said during the panel discussions that they actually requested for a P294 billion allocation from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Co said this budget will support the UNITE Agenda: Ang Tugon sa Makabagong Panahon of DILG, which lists down focus areas for the department.
DILG’s presentation showed that UNITE stands for: Unleashing the maximum potential of good local governance; Nourish the bonds of national and local governments to address key sectoral concerns; Intensify efforts to ensure public order and safety; Transform governance through technology and innovation, and Enhance the capability of the Department.
“This amount will support the Department’s Six-Year Priority Thrusts UNITE AGENDA: Ang Tugon sa Makabagong Panahon; anchored on social local governance to address key sectoral concerns, ensure public order and safety, transform local governance through technology innovation, and enhance the capabilities of the Department,” the appropriations panel’s chair said.
“Mahalaga ang tungkuling gagampanan ng DILG sa pagtugon sa agenda na ito upang mapanatili ang kaayusan ng bansa sa iba’t ibang aspeto – mula sa kapayapaan at pampublikong kaligtasan at pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng lokal na pamahalaan upang epektibong maipagkaloob ang mga pangunahing serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Co added.
The UNITE Agenda also contains DILG’s enhanced Mission, Vision, and Shared Values, which states that the department is in-charge of ensuring the following: peace and order, public safety and security, excellence in local government, creation of resilient and inclusive communities.
The DILG also aims to become a “highly trusted Department and partner in nurturing local governments”, geared at making Filipinos’ lives comfortable and secure by 2040.
