DILG Negros Island Region

08/10/2026

The DILG Negros Island Region proudly congratulates LGOO VII Mark Joshua B. Quijote, Cluster II Head of the DILG Negros Oriental Provincial Office, on his conferment of the Career Executive Service (CES) Eligibility through CESB Resolution No. 1852.

We are incredibly proud of this milestone in your career and your continuous commitment to elevating the quality of public service!

08/10/2026

𝐋𝐆𝐀, 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆 𝐍𝐈𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐋𝐆𝐅 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Negros Island Region (DILG NIR) supports the Philippine Local Governance Forum (PLGF) 2026, launched by the Local Government Academy (LGA) in commemoration of the 35th Local Government Month.

Held on October 8, 2026, via Zoom, the initial forum focused on the Current Local Governance Context in the Country, highlighting key developments and emerging directions in local governance. LGA Executive Director Thelma T. Vecina, CESO III, provided an overview of the PLGF 2026 series of activities scheduled throughout the month of October 2026, in partnership with the DILG Regional Offices.

Among the highlights of the forum was the presentation of Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, CESO III, on the Proposed Amendments to the Local Government Code. This was followed by Dr. Reginald Ugaddan, Director of the Center for Local and Regional Governance, who shared statistics and key findings from the study on the Recalibrated Seal of Good Local Governance.

DILG NIR OIC-Assistant Regional Director Teodora P. Sumagaysay, CESO V, served as guest moderator and facilitated the forum. She likewise synthesized the key takeaways from the presentations of Usec. Iringan and Dr. Ugaddan.

The forum provided valuable insights into current local governance issues and reforms, reinforcing the shared commitment to strengthening local governance.

08/10/2026

TINGNAN | Anu-ano ang kapangyarihan ng isang gobernador?

Bilang punong ehekutibo ng lalawigan, may mahalagang tungkulin ang gobernador sa pamamahala ng pamahalaang panlalawigan o provincial government, pagpapatupad ng mga batas at ordinansa, at paghahatid ng mga programa at serbisyo para sa mga mamamayan.

Kabilang sa kanyang mga tungkulin ang:

• Pagpapatupad ng mga batas at ordinansa ng lalawigan
• Pagpapatupad ng mga programa at proyekto ng pamahalaang panlalawigan
• Pangangasiwa sa mga tanggapan at serbisyo ng provincial government
• Pagtiyak na maayos na naibibigay ang mga pangunahing serbisyo sa mga mamamayan

Mahalagang tandaan na ang general supervision ay hindi nangangahulugang direktang pamamahala sa bawat lungsod o munisipyo. May kanya-kanyang mandato at tungkulin ang bawat lokal na pamahalaan at mga halal na opisyal nito.

08/10/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | The LGA officially kicked off the Philippine Local Governance Forum (PLGF) 2026 with the opening session, “The Current Local Governance Context,” held on October 8, 2026.

Undersecretary for Local Government, Usec. Marlo Iringan delivered the keynote message of Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, highlighting the significance of 35 years of local autonomy and the need to strengthen the capacities of local governments as they respond to the evolving demands of governance.

The activity also featured discussions on proposed amendments to the Local Government Code and the recalibrated Seal of Good Local Governance, providing participants with perspectives on ongoing reforms and emerging directions in local governance.

This opening activity set the stage for the succeeding conversations under PLGF 2026, which will bring together local governance stakeholders throughout October to reflect on reforms, explore emerging opportunities, and look ahead toward a more responsive, capable, and future-ready local governance sector.

08/10/2026

READ | Remulla calls for stronger family, school involvement against evolving threats to children

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged parents, teachers, schools, and communities to take a more active role in protecting children from online grooming and other emerging digital threats, stressing that ensuring their safety requires more than emergency preparedness and response.

“Let’s be present in our children’s lives. Let’s be present in our students’ lives. Let’s be present in our families,” Remulla said during the 1st Metro Manila School Safety and Security Summit.

The DILG Secretary emphasized that as children become increasingly exposed to online gaming, chat groups, social media, and other digital platforms, families and schools must remain vigilant against harmful influences that may reach them even within their own homes.

“The children do understand. Alam nilang gumamit ng internet. Alam nila ang gaming. Alam nila ang chat groups. Alam nila ang grooming. Ngunit, hindi nila alam ang consequence,” Remulla said.

He stressed that while children may be familiar with digital platforms and online interactions, they may not fully recognize the risks and consequences of engaging with strangers or individuals seeking to exploit them.

Remulla called for regular and open discussions at home and in schools about online safety, grooming, peer influence, and other threats, emphasizing the responsibility of adults to guide children before they are exposed to harm.

“Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa eskwelahan. Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa bahay. Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan ng pamilya. Because more than anything else and more than all the challenges, this is the greatest challenge of all,” he said.

Beyond strengthening awareness and prevention, the DILG chief underscored the importance of moving beyond a purely reactive approach to public safety, particularly when the welfare of children is at stake.

“We cannot live our lives just preventing and responding. We cannot go on every day receiving a 911 call and say ‘we did our job’,” Remulla stated.
He also recognized the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for their continuing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response procedures, particularly in schools and situations involving active threats.

“This has been one of the most turbulent times in Philippine history. Yet, we remain firm because the institutions are strong,” he commended.
Among the key discussions during the summit was the ALICE Protocol, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, a framework providing response options during active-threat situations.
The summit highlighted the importance of equipping schools and public safety institutions with appropriate emergency response measures while strengthening the everyday involvement of families, educators, and communities in protecting children from evolving threats.

READ | Remulla calls for stronger family, school involvement against evolving threats to children

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged parents, teachers, schools, and communities to take a more active role in protecting children from online grooming and other emerging digital threats, stressing that ensuring their safety requires more than emergency preparedness and response.

“Let’s be present in our children’s lives. Let’s be present in our students’ lives. Let’s be present in our families,” Remulla said during the 1st Metro Manila School Safety and Security Summit.

The DILG Secretary emphasized that as children become increasingly exposed to online gaming, chat groups, social media, and other digital platforms, families and schools must remain vigilant against harmful influences that may reach them even within their own homes.

“The children do understand. Alam nilang gumamit ng internet. Alam nila ang gaming. Alam nila ang chat groups. Alam nila ang grooming. Ngunit, hindi nila alam ang consequence,” Remulla said.

He stressed that while children may be familiar with digital platforms and online interactions, they may not fully recognize the risks and consequences of engaging with strangers or individuals seeking to exploit them.

Remulla called for regular and open discussions at home and in schools about online safety, grooming, peer influence, and other threats, emphasizing the responsibility of adults to guide children before they are exposed to harm.

“Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa eskwelahan. Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa bahay. Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan ng pamilya. Because more than anything else and more than all the challenges, this is the greatest challenge of all,” he said.

Beyond strengthening awareness and prevention, the DILG chief underscored the importance of moving beyond a purely reactive approach to public safety, particularly when the welfare of children is at stake.

“We cannot live our lives just preventing and responding. We cannot go on every day receiving a 911 call and say ‘we did our job’,” Remulla stated.

He also recognized the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for their continuing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and response procedures, particularly in schools and situations involving active threats.

“This has been one of the most turbulent times in Philippine history. Yet, we remain firm because the institutions are strong,” he commended.

Among the key discussions during the summit was the ALICE Protocol, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, a framework providing response options during active-threat situations.

The summit highlighted the importance of equipping schools and public safety institutions with appropriate emergency response measures while strengthening the everyday involvement of families, educators, and communities in protecting children from evolving threats.

08/10/2026

WEEK 1 POP-UP QUIZ REMAINS OPEN!

Have you already submitted your answer? If not, there's still time to join our Week 1 Local Government Code Pop-Up Quiz!

Challenge yourself, revisit the provisions of the Local Government Code, and share your answer in the comments section. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of local governance and be part of the learning experience.

✅ Follow the DILG Negros Island Region page
✅ Comment your answer below
✅ Watch out for next week's winners announcement

Don't miss out. Submit your answer and join the conversation today!

08/10/2026

READ | DILG to procure 1,500 fire trucks in 2027, eyes ₱9-B savings
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to procure 1,500 fire trucks in 2027 as part of a major modernization push to address the country’s fire truck shortage, replace aging equipment, and save the government an estimated ₱9 billion.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said some fire trucks currently in service have been operating for decades, underscoring the need to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) fleet.

“Sa buong Pilipinas meron tayong mga fire trucks na 40 years old, 1986 pa na acquire,” Remulla said during the blessing and turnover of Unified 911 emergency response vehicles to different police units in Quezon province on Wednesday.

Remulla said he and BFP Officer-in-Charge Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu went to Korea to establish a government-to-government agreement for the planned procurement. Under the arrangement, the cost of each fire truck is expected to go down from around ₱16 million to ₱10 million, translating to approximately ₱9 billion in government savings.

“Kung dati ₱16 million per fire truck, ngayon ₱10 million na lang kada fire truck. Tanggal ang corruption diyan. Ang savings natin 1,500 [firetrucks] times 6 (million pesos) -- ₱9 billion pesos ang savings natin para sa BFP,” he said.

The procurement forms part of the DILG’s broader push to strengthen public safety capabilities as communities and local economies continue to grow.

In Quezon, Remulla noted that rapid economic growth must be matched by investments in emergency response and police mobility.

“Ngayon masasabi natin ang bagong Quezon ay ang fastest growing province sa entire Region 4A, kaya congratulations,” he said.

To keep pace with this growth, the DILG is increasing police motorcycle mobility and expanding the use of drones for public safety operations, allowing authorities to respond faster and reach more communities.

“Ang aking panaginip ay gaya nang ginawa ko sa Cavite, sumobra na ang sasakyan sa pulis. Dapat lahat kayo ay may mobility,” Remulla said.
He stressed that modern equipment alone is not enough, and that effective public safety ultimately depends on national agencies, uniformed services, and local governments working together.

“Hindi natin pwedeng gawin ang public safety kung iisa lang tayo. Hindi pwedeng pulis nag-iisa lang. Hindi pwedeng BFP nag-iisa lang. Kailangan sama-sama tayo,” he said.

“We are here together to make a better [Region] 4A. To make a better Quezon. To make a better Philippines. Mabuhay kayo. Mabuhay ang Quezon. Mabuhay ang Region 4A,” he stressed.

READ | DILG to procure 1,500 fire trucks in 2027, eyes ₱9-B savings

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to procure 1,500 fire trucks in 2027 as part of a major modernization push to address the country’s fire truck shortage, replace aging equipment, and save the government an estimated ₱9 billion.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said some fire trucks currently in service have been operating for decades, underscoring the need to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) fleet.

“Sa buong Pilipinas meron tayong mga fire trucks na 40 years old, 1986 pa na acquire,” Remulla said during the blessing and turnover of Unified 911 emergency response vehicles to different police units in Quezon province on Wednesday.

Remulla said he and BFP Officer-in-Charge Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu went to Korea to establish a government-to-government agreement for the planned procurement. Under the arrangement, the cost of each fire truck is expected to go down from around ₱16 million to ₱10 million, translating to approximately ₱9 billion in government savings.

“Kung dati ₱16 million per fire truck, ngayon ₱10 million na lang kada fire truck. Tanggal ang corruption diyan. Ang savings natin 1,500 [firetrucks] times 6 (million pesos) -- ₱9 billion pesos ang savings natin para sa BFP,” he said.

The procurement forms part of the DILG’s broader push to strengthen public safety capabilities as communities and local economies continue to grow.

In Quezon, Remulla noted that rapid economic growth must be matched by investments in emergency response and police mobility.

“Ngayon masasabi natin ang bagong Quezon ay ang fastest growing province sa entire Region 4A, kaya congratulations,” he said.

To keep pace with this growth, the DILG is increasing police motorcycle mobility and expanding the use of drones for public safety operations, allowing authorities to respond faster and reach more communities.

“Ang aking panaginip ay gaya nang ginawa ko sa Cavite, sumobra na ang sasakyan sa pulis. Dapat lahat kayo ay may mobility,” Remulla said.

He stressed that modern equipment alone is not enough, and that effective public safety ultimately depends on national agencies, uniformed services, and local governments working together.

“Hindi natin pwedeng gawin ang public safety kung iisa lang tayo. Hindi pwedeng pulis nag-iisa lang. Hindi pwedeng BFP nag-iisa lang. Kailangan sama-sama tayo,” he said.

“We are here together to make a better [Region] 4A. To make a better Quezon. To make a better Philippines. Mabuhay kayo. Mabuhay ang Quezon. Mabuhay ang Region 4A,” he stressed.

07/10/2026

READ | Remulla defers Reina Mercedes vice mayor row to Isabela governor
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III is handling the matter involving Reina Mercedes Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio following a heated exchange with barangay officials during a Sangguniang Bayan session.

The confrontation occurred during discussions on to***co excise tax-funded projects and prompted police personnel to intervene. The incident was captured on livestream that later circulated online.

“Governor Albano is handling it. Pero I advised him to give him a drug test kasi mukhang adik ‘yung asal niya. Meron bang normal na vice mayor na gano’n? Parang wala sa sarili. Parang hindi halal,” Remulla said during a media interview.

“Dapat mag focus siya sa health niya, itigil niya ‘yang drugs,” he added.
Remulla said the DILG is also looking into the circumstances involving police personnel who intervened during the confrontation.

“Pinagsisigawan niya ‘yung mga pulis. Pero we are still investigating it, I’m leaving it to Governor Albano to handle it,” he said.

The DILG said the matter remains under investigation, as the Department defers to the provincial government in addressing the incident while looking into the circumstances involving responding police personnel.

READ | Remulla defers Reina Mercedes vice mayor row to Isabela governor

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III is handling the matter involving Reina Mercedes Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio following a heated exchange with barangay officials during a Sangguniang Bayan session.

The confrontation occurred during discussions on to***co excise tax-funded projects and prompted police personnel to intervene. The incident was captured on livestream that later circulated online.

“Governor Albano is handling it. Pero I advised him to give him a drug test kasi mukhang adik ‘yung asal niya. Meron bang normal na vice mayor na gano’n? Parang wala sa sarili. Parang hindi halal,” Remulla said during a media interview.

“Dapat mag focus siya sa health niya, itigil niya ‘yang drugs,” he added.

Remulla said the DILG is also looking into the circumstances involving police personnel who intervened during the confrontation.

“Pinagsisigawan niya ‘yung mga pulis. Pero we are still investigating it, I’m leaving it to Governor Albano to handle it,” he said.

The DILG said the matter remains under investigation, as the Department defers to the provincial government in addressing the incident while looking into the circumstances involving responding police personnel.

07/10/2026

READ | Remulla: 58 TBS members among 200 arrested in Mendiola
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said at least 58 members of True Brown Style (TBS) were among the 200 individuals arrested during the September 21 protest in Mendiola.

“Tinignan namin ‘yung investigation namin, out of the 200 we arrested last September 21 doon sa Mendiola, 58 were members of True Brown Style. So nakikita yung propensity for violence nila,” Remulla said during Tuesday’s signing of the joint memorandum circular on the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) School Health and Protection Program with DepEd, DOH, and PhilHealth.

He also reported the arrest of 13 TBS members for various offenses amid efforts to stop groups allegedly grooming children toward violence.
“Yesterday, we arrested 13 of them for various offenses, to show that we are serious against the grooming of children towards violence,” he said.
Remulla previously said TBS originated in California, United States, and expanded from a small group in the Philippines into what he described as a criminal syndicate. Composed largely of members in their late teens and early 20s, the group allegedly recruits children as young as 14 to 15 and requires them to rob stores as part of initiation rites.

The DILG is monitoring social media threats and pursuing community-based gangs. Authorities had earlier arrested 53 individuals allegedly involved in gangs grooming children to incite violence in schools following the Zamboanga incident.

“So this campaign will go on, it will not stop, we will work with the DepEd, we will work with the communities to make sure that the path forward is a safer environment for our children,” he said.

Remulla remains open to dialogue and plans to meet with TBS members in Cavite next week to explain the government’s policy.

“Meron na. Actually I will start sa Cavite next week. Kakausapin ko yung mga True Brown Style d’yan. I will lay out my policy. They are rational individuals. Tingin ko naman madadaan natin sa usapan. Pero kung makukulit talaga sila, eh di pasensyahan kami,” he said.

READ | Remulla: 58 TBS members among 200 arrested in Mendiola

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said at least 58 members of True Brown Style (TBS) were among the 200 individuals arrested during the September 21 protest in Mendiola.

“Tinignan namin ‘yung investigation namin, out of the 200 we arrested last September 21 doon sa Mendiola, 58 were members of True Brown Style. So nakikita yung propensity for violence nila,” Remulla said during Tuesday’s signing of the joint memorandum circular on the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) School Health and Protection Program with DepEd, DOH, and PhilHealth.

He also reported the arrest of 13 TBS members for various offenses amid efforts to stop groups allegedly grooming children toward violence.

“Yesterday, we arrested 13 of them for various offenses, to show that we are serious against the grooming of children towards violence,” he said.

Remulla previously said TBS originated in California, United States, and expanded from a small group in the Philippines into what he described as a criminal syndicate. Composed largely of members in their late teens and early 20s, the group allegedly recruits children as young as 14 to 15 and requires them to rob stores as part of initiation rites.

The DILG is monitoring social media threats and pursuing community-based gangs. Authorities had earlier arrested 53 individuals allegedly involved in gangs grooming children to incite violence in schools following the Zamboanga incident.

“So this campaign will go on, it will not stop, we will work with the DepEd, we will work with the communities to make sure that the path forward is a safer environment for our children,” he said.

Remulla remains open to dialogue and plans to meet with TBS members in Cavite next week to explain the government’s policy.

“Meron na. Actually I will start sa Cavite next week. Kakausapin ko yung mga True Brown Style d’yan. I will lay out my policy. They are rational individuals. Tingin ko naman madadaan natin sa usapan. Pero kung makukulit talaga sila, eh di pasensyahan kami,” he said.