Executive Department · Republic Act No. 6975

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

The premier executive department mandated to promote peace and order, ensure public safety, and strengthen local government capability across the Philippines. Operating under the banner of Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan, the DILG exercises general supervision over 82 provinces, 149 cities, 1,485 municipalities, and 42,000+ barangays while commanding the public safety pillars of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

82
Provinces Supervised
1,634
Cities & Municipalities
42,000+
Barangays Guided
3
Safety Bureaus (PNP/BFP/BJMP)
1897
Historical Roots
Institutional Mandate

The Twin Pillars of Local Governance and Public Safety

The Department of the Interior and Local Government operates under the constitutional principle of local autonomy balanced with general presidential supervision. Its statutory mandate derives from Republic Act No. 6975 (the DILG Act of 1990), amended by Republic Act No. 8551, Republic Act No. 9263, and the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160).

Public Safety Pillar

Ensuring national peace, law enforcement, crime suppression, fire safety, and detention facility management through coordinated oversight of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

  • Key Laws: RA 6975, RA 8551, RA 9263
  • Institutions: PNP, BFP, BJMP, NAPOLCOM

Local Governance Pillar

Capacitating Local Government Units (LGUs) to deliver decentralized public services efficiently, promote local economic development, maintain public order, and practice transparent fiscal management through strict monitoring and development grants.

  • Key Laws: RA 7160 (Local Government Code), RA 11292
  • Focus: Provinces, Cities, Towns, Barangays

Civic Vision & Core Values

Dedicated to building disaster-resilient, economically vibrant, and secure communities under the guiding mantra "Ang DILG ay Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan" (Accountable, Competent, and Reliable public servant culture).

  • Vision: High-trust department nurturing resilient LGUs
  • Commitment: Transparency and citizen protection
Executive Leadership

Department Leadership and Executive Structure

The DILG is led by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG), who serves as a key member of the President's Cabinet and ex-officio Chairperson of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). Current leadership under Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla Jr. (appointed October 8, 2024) focuses on modernization, local autonomy empowerment, and streamlined police reform.

Office of the Secretary & Functional Undersecretaries

Executive administration is executed through dedicated functional portfolios led by Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries overseeing policy formulation, field operations, and legal administration:

  • Undersecretary for Local Government: Supervises BLGD, BLGS, NBOO, and OPDS bureaus.
  • Undersecretary for Public Safety: Oversees coordination among PNP, BFP, and BJMP operations.
  • Undersecretary for Operations: Coordinates the 17 DILG Regional Offices and field directorates.
  • Undersecretary for Plans and Public Affairs: Directs public communication, citizen assistance, and digital systems.
  • Legal and Legislative Affairs: Handles administrative cases against local officials, legal opinions, and statutory liaison.

Central Headquarters & National Coordinates

The national operations of the department are headquartered in the DILG-NAPOLCOM Center in Quezon City, providing unified policy coordination for all field operations nationwide.

Headquarters Address: DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City 1104, Philippines

Trunkline Hotlines: (02) 8876-3454 / (02) 8925-0330 / (02) 8925-0331

Emergency 911 National Hotline: Dial 911 (Toll-Free Nationwide)

Official Portal: www.dilg.gov.ph

Local Governance Sector

The Four Core Local Government Bureaus

The Local Government sector executes direct supervisory and technical assistance functions to empower provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays in planning, financing, and operating public infrastructure.

BLGD

Bureau of Local Government Development: Formulates policies and plans for local economic growth, local fiscal administration, public-private partnerships, credit financing, and local special body development.

BLGS

Bureau of Local Government Supervision: Exercises administrative supervision over LGUs, oversees executive order compliance, arbitrates boundary dispute guidelines, and facilitates administrative investigations.

NBOO

National Barangay Operations Office: Administers programs for the nation's 42,000+ barangays, Katarungang Pambarangay (Lupon Tagapamayapa dispute resolution), BHW, BPAT, and the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA).

OPDS

Office of Project Development Services: Manages locally-funded municipal projects including potable water networks (SALINTUBIG), local access roads, disaster rehabilitation funds, and the SubayBAYAN public tracking portal.

Public Safety Sector

The Triad of National Law Enforcement, Fire & Penology

Under Republic Act No. 6975, the civilian police force, fire protection service, and jail management were united under the administrative authority of the DILG to guarantee civilian supremacy over armed enforcement.

Philippine National Police (PNP)

The primary national law enforcement agency established under RA 6975 as amended by RA 8551. Headed by the Chief PNP with the rank of Police General, the PNP maintains internal security, suppresses crime, investigates offenses, and regulates firearms and security agencies.

  • Personnel: Approx. 228,000 active uniformed personnel
  • Structure: National HQ (Camp Crame), PROs, PPOs, CPOs, Municipal Stations
  • Official Site: pnp.gov.ph

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

The national bureau responsible for the prevention and suppression of destructive fires, enforcement of Republic Act No. 9514 (Fire Code of the Philippines), medical emergency responses, hazardous materials management, and technical rescue operations.

  • Leadership: Fire Chief with the rank of Fire Director
  • Key Mandate: Fire safety inspection, building plan evaluations, emergency EMT response
  • Official Site: bfp.gov.ph

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)

Directs, supervises, and controls all district, city, and municipal detention facilities. The BJMP focuses on human rights compliance, secure safekeeping, and developmental rehabilitation programs for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) awaiting court trials.

  • Jurisdiction: District, City, and Municipal jails (excluding provincial jails)
  • Programs: Therapeutic Community Modality, livelihood and literacy training
  • Official Site: bjmp.gov.ph
Attached Agencies

Colleges, Commissions, and Training Academies

To accomplish comprehensive leadership development and independent oversight, several constitutional commissions and specialized academies operate under the DILG administrative umbrella.

NAPOLCOM

National Police Commission: Constitutional commission mandated to exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the Philippine National Police. NAPOLCOM conducts police promotional examinations, investigates citizen complaints, and conducts summary dismissal proceedings.

  • Leadership: Chaired ex-officio by the SILG with four regular commissioners.
  • Official Site: napolcom.gov.ph

Local Government Academy (LGA)

The human resource development arm of the DILG responsible for capacitating local elective officials (governors, mayors, councilors, punong barangays) and local government administrators through specialized governance curricula, the Newly Elected Officials (NEO) program, and executive fellowships.

  • Focus: Leadership executive programs, local planning, resilience.
  • Official Site: lga.gov.ph

Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC)

The premier educational training institution for uniformed personnel of the PNP, BFP, and BJMP. Operates constituent units including the National Police College (NPC), National Fire Training Institute (NFTI), and National Jail Management and Penology Training Institute (NJMPTI).

  • Degrees: Master in Public Safety Administration (MPSA), specialized career courses.
  • Official Site: ppsc.gov.ph

National Youth Commission (NYC)

Attached to the DILG under Executive Order No. 67 (2018). Serves as the national policy coordinating body on youth development, providing mandatory leadership training for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Local Youth Development Officers (LYDO).

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)

The primary policymaking and coordinating body on women and gender equality, transferred to the DILG under EO 67. Evaluates LGU compliance with the 5% Gender and Development (GAD) statutory budget requirement.

Emergency 911 National Network

Institutionalized under Executive Order No. 56 (2018). Provides a unified nationwide emergency number connected to local dispatch centers for rapid coordination of police, firefighting, and medical emergency responses.

Institutional Excellence

Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) & Flagship Programs

Institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11292, the Seal of Good Local Governance is the highest recognition bestowed upon local governments demonstrating exceptional performance across 10 assessment areas. Passing LGUs gain access to the multi-million peso SGLG Incentive Fund to finance high-impact local capital investments.

Area 01
Financial Administration
Clean COA audit opinions, Full Disclosure compliance, and high local revenue generation.
Area 02
Disaster Preparedness
Approved Disaster Risk Reduction plans, early warning networks, and equipped rescue teams.
Area 03
Social Protection
Gender-fair facilities, assistance to marginalized sectors, and functional child protection councils.
Area 04
Health Compliance
Universal Healthcare integration, equipped RHUs, vaccination rates, and sanitation standards.
Area 05
Sustainable Education
Special Education Fund utilization, support to DepEd facilities, and out-of-school youth programs.
Area 06
Business-Friendliness
Ease of doing business, computerized business permits (eBPLS), and investment code updates.
Area 07
Safety, Peace & Order
Functional Peace and Order Councils (POC), Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC), and BPAT logbooks.
Area 08
Environmental Management
Ecological solid waste compliance (RA 9003), materials recovery facilities, and forest conservation.
Area 09
Tourism & Heritage
Cultural property inventories, local tourism promotion, and historic structure preservation.
Area 10
Youth Development
Sangguniang Kabataan support, functional Local Youth Development Councils, and leadership programs.

Full Disclosure Policy (FDP)

Requires all local governments to post their budgets, annual procurement plans, COA findings, and utilization reports across physical notice boards and the official portal (fdpp.dilg.gov.ph) to eliminate corruption.

Katarungang Pambarangay (KP Law)

Governed by Chapter 7 of RA 7160. Mandates community-level dispute conciliation through the Lupon Tagapamayapa and Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo before civil or minor criminal disputes can be brought to formal trial courts.

SubayBAYAN Project Monitoring

The official online portal for tracking locally-funded infrastructure projects nationwide, providing citizens with GPS-tagged photographs, physical progress percentages, and financial disbursement data.

Department Heritage

Historical Evolution: From Tejeros Convention to Modern DILG

The Department of the Interior is one of the oldest executive departments in the history of the Philippine Republic, originating during the anti-colonial struggle of 1897 and evolving across six distinct constitutional eras.

March 22, 1897
Tejeros Convention: Birth of the Departamento del Interior
During the revolutionary convention in San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias, Cavite), the Katipunan established the Department of the Interior to supervise local revolutionary councils, with Pascual Alvarez elected as its first Director.
November 1, 1897
Biak-na-Bato Constitution: Constitutional Formalization
The provisional Constitution of Biak-na-Bato formally codified the Departamento del Interior as a constitutional cabinet department, appointing Isabelo Artacho as Secretary with authority over civil records, post offices, and territorial security. Leandro Ibarra later headed the department under the 1899 Malolos Republic.
1901 to 1950
American Administration & Post-War Transition
Act No. 271 of the Philippine Commission established the Department of the Interior in 1901 under Dean C. Worcester. In 1950, Executive Order No. 383 abolished the standalone department and transferred local government oversight to the Division of Local Government under the Executive Office of the President.
1956 to 1982
PACD to Ministry of Local Government and Community Development
President Ramon Magsaysay established the Presidential Assistant on Community Development (PACD) in 1956. Presidential Decree No. 1 in 1972 reorganized it into the Department of Local Government and Community Development (DLGCD), later renamed the Ministry of Local Government (MLG) in 1978.
December 13, 1990
Republic Act No. 6975: Creation of the Modern DILG
President Corazon Aquino signed Republic Act No. 6975, merging the Ministry of Local Government with the newly-created Philippine National Police (combining the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police), the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology under a single civilian executive department.
1998 to 2019
RA 8551, RA 9263, and RA 11292 (Modern Era Governance)
Republic Act No. 8551 reformed the PNP into a community-oriented police organization. Republic Act No. 9263 professionalized qualifications for BFP and BJMP officers. In 2019, Republic Act No. 11292 institutionalized the Seal of Good Local Governance with statutory funding to reward exemplary LGUs.
Heraldry & Visual Identity

Deconstructing the Official DILG Logo

The official emblem of the Department of the Interior and Local Government incorporates timeless heraldic elements symbolizing state protection, constitutional sovereignty, and exemplary civic leadership.

The Golden Shield

Represents the protective role of the department as guardian of the Filipino people, defender of civil liberties, and protector of territorial integrity across all communities.

Sun & Three Stars

Derived from the national flag of the Philippines. Symbolizes unity across the main geographic divisions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bathed in the light of democratic governance.

Laurel Branches

Two laurel boughs embodying public service excellence, ethical integrity, and the pursuit of honor by both civil administrators and uniformed personnel.

National Tricolors

Royal blue signifies peace and justice; patriotic red signifies valor and sacrifice in the line of duty; clean white denotes integrity and transparency in local administration.

Field Operations

Directory of the 17 DILG Regional Offices

The DILG maintains a permanent field network across all administrative regions, staffed by Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, Provincial Directors, City Directors, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOO).

National Capital Region (NCR)

DILG NCR
4th Floor Annex Building, SSS East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Hotline: (02) 8925-0347 · ncr.dilg.gov.ph

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

DILG CAR
Barangay Halsema Highway, La Trinidad, Benguet
Hotline: (074) 422-7160 · car.dilg.gov.ph

Region I (Ilocos Region)

DILG R1
Aguila Road, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union
Hotline: (072) 888-2108 · region1.dilg.gov.ph

Region II (Cagayan Valley)

DILG R2
Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Hotline: (078) 304-5378 · region2.dilg.gov.ph

Region III (Central Luzon)

DILG R3
Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Hotline: (045) 455-2472 · region3.dilg.gov.ph

Region IV-A (CALABARZON)

DILG R4A
Andenson Building 1, National Highway, Barangay Parian, Calamba City, Laguna
Hotline: (049) 827-4587 · calabarzon.dilg.gov.ph

MIMAROPA Region

DILG R4B
F.T. Reyes Building, Quezon Avenue Extension, Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City
Hotline: (02) 8925-0370 · mimaropa.dilg.gov.ph

Region V (Bicol Region)

DILG R5
Regional Site, Rawis, Legazpi City, Albay
Hotline: (052) 482-0545 · region5.dilg.gov.ph

Region VI (Western Visayas)

DILG R6
Pepita Aquino Avenue, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Hotline: (033) 337-6401 · region6.dilg.gov.ph

Region VII (Central Visayas)

DILG R7
Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu
Hotline: (032) 255-7310 · region7.dilg.gov.ph

Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)

DILG R8
Kanhuraw Hill, Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City, Leyte
Hotline: (053) 832-3580 · region8.dilg.gov.ph

Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula)

DILG R9
Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City
Hotline: (062) 925-1175 · region9.dilg.gov.ph

Region X (Northern Mindanao)

DILG R10
Masterson Avenue, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City
Hotline: (088) 858-2193 · region10.dilg.gov.ph

Region XI (Davao Region)

DILG R11
Km. 13, Pan-Philippine Highway, Barangay Communal, Buhangin District, Davao City
Hotline: (082) 297-2604 · region11.dilg.gov.ph

Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)

DILG R12
Prime Regional Government Center, Barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City
Hotline: (083) 228-7960 · region12.dilg.gov.ph

Region XIII (Caraga Region)

DILG R13
Km. 4, National Highway, Libertad, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Hotline: (085) 342-2045 · caraga.dilg.gov.ph

Bangsamoro (BARMM Coordination)

DILG Liaison
Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City (Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, MILG coordination)
Hotline: (064) 421-1379 · milg.bangsamoro.gov.ph
Factory Direct Manufacturing

Custom Apparel for DILG Offices, LGUs & Public Safety Personnel

RB Advertising supplies official corporate polo shirts, dry-fit physical training uniforms, high-visibility tactical vests, and barangay governance wear manufactured with precision sublimation and heavy-duty embroidery.

DILG & LGU Corporate Polo Shirts

Premium combed cotton-blend and honeycomb dri-fit corporate collared shirts tailored with precise official DILG, provincial capitol, and municipal seals. Designed for comfortable executive wear during field inspections, town hall summits, and assembly seminars.

  • Breathable pique and honeycomb poly-cotton textiles
  • Computerized high-density chest embroidery or crisp sublimation

Barangay Governance & BPAT Vests

Barangay Health Worker (BHW) scrub sets, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) tactical utility vests with reflective safety strips, and Katarungang Pambarangay mediator shirts designed for rugged community service.

  • Reinforced utility pockets and 3M reflective safety striping
  • Color-coded by municipal ordinance and barangay cluster

BFP, BJMP & PNP Physical Training (PT) Shirts

Micro-cool athletic dri-fit moisture-wicking shirts engineered for intense physical fitness testing, sportsfest tournaments, and tactical drills. Retains color fastness and structural elasticity under rigorous washing.

  • Fade-proof digital sublimation with sharp department insignia
  • Double-stitched seams and anti-chafing ergonomic cuts
Transparent Volume Pricing: Custom sublimation athletic event shirts and official LGU corporate polo shirts start from ₱320.00 (approximately $5.10 / €4.45 / £3.85), with tiered volume discounts available for regional directorates, city halls, municipal leagues, and barangay councils nationwide.

Production Facility: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. Business hours: Mon to Sat, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Express nationwide freight dispatching to provincial capitols, city halls, and regional hubs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Citizen Advisory

Frequently Asked Questions About the DILG

Clear answers to frequent public questions regarding jurisdiction, dispute resolution, public safety, and local governance accountability.

What is the primary mandate of the DILG?
Under Republic Act No. 6975 and the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), the DILG is mandated to promote peace and order, ensure public safety, and strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry. It serves as the primary instrument through which the President exercises general supervision over local government units.
Who is the current head of the DILG?
The department is headed by Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla Jr., who assumed office on October 8, 2024 following his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Secretary holds Cabinet rank and serves ex-officio as Chairperson of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).
Which law enforcement and public safety bureaus fall under the DILG?
The DILG exercises administrative oversight over three major public safety bureaus: the Philippine National Police (PNP) for law enforcement and internal security, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for fire prevention and suppression, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for city and municipal detention operations.
How does the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) work?
Institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11292, the SGLG is an annual assessment system measuring LGU performance across ten core governance areas: Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, Health Compliance, Sustainable Education, Business-Friendliness, Safety and Peace, Environmental Management, Tourism and Heritage, and Youth Development. Winning LGUs receive national recognition and incentive grant funds from the national budget.
What is the Katarungang Pambarangay system and when is it required?
Katarungang Pambarangay is the community dispute conciliation system established under the Local Government Code. It requires parties residing in the same city or municipality to submit minor civil and criminal disputes to the barangay Lupon Tagapamayapa for amicable settlement. No court case can be filed without a Certificate to File Action issued by the Punong Barangay certifying that conciliation efforts have failed.
Does the BJMP manage provincial jails and national penitentiaries?
No. Under Section 61 of RA 6975, provincial jails are directed and controlled by provincial governments under the respective Provincial Governors. National penitentiaries (such as New Bilibid Prison and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm) are administered by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under the Department of Justice (DOJ). The BJMP oversees only district, city, and municipal jails.
How can a citizen file an administrative complaint against an elected local official?
Administrative complaints against elective municipal officials may be filed before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Complaints against elective provincial or city officials may be filed directly with the Office of the President or the Office of the Ombudsman, with the DILG Legal Service often designated to conduct fact-finding investigations and submit formal recommendations.
What is the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) Portal?
The Full Disclosure Policy requires all provinces, cities, and municipalities to publicly post twelve key financial and budget documents (including annual budget reports, 20% component development fund utilization, and procurement bids) on physical notice boards and the DILG Full Disclosure Policy Portal (fdpp.dilg.gov.ph) to ensure full transparency in public fund utilization.