CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) CALABARZON has committed in supporting local government units (LGUs), strengthening disaster resilience initiatives, and prioritize community development as key programs following the approval of the ₱310.5-billion budget for the department under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
In a statement released on January 9, DILG Calabarzon Regional Head Ariel Iglesia emphasized that a significant portion of the funding will be directed toward capacitating LGUs to deliver efficient, transparent, and responsive public services.
These include governance reforms, community-based development programs, disaster preparedness and response initiatives, and projects that improve basic service delivery at the grassroots level.
“The 2026 national budget gives us the capacity to further strengthen our priority programs that directly empower our local government units and bring essential services closer to the people,” Iglesia stated.
The DILG director adds that local programs and services aimed at improving the way of life of communities are among the urgent matters for the year.
“Through this allocation, LGUs will be better equipped to enhance disaster preparedness, sustain peace and order initiatives, and implement development programs that respond to the actual needs of our communities.”
Iglesia then noted that under the leadership of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DILG will intensify the monitoring of fund utilization to ensure accountability, efficiency, and measurable results including close coordination with LGUs to guarantee that priority programs are implemented properly and contribute to long-term development goals.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Jonvic Remulla, we remain steadfast in monitoring the effective utilization of these funds to foster peace, order, and progress throughout the region. Together, we move forward with our collective pursuit of a safer and more prosperous Bagong Pilipinas for every citizen in CALABARZON,” Iglesia said.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act serves as the national government’s annual spending plan, outlining the allocation of public funds to sustain government operations, deliver essential services, and implement priority development programs nationwide.
For 2026, the DILG received the fourth highest allocation among national government agencies, after the Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Health. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)