DILG Anao

𝓦𝓲𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪 𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓑𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂,
HON. GIAN PIERRE O. DE DIOS 🎂🎉
MUNICIPAL MAYOR OF ANAO TARLAC
May you enjoy the fullness of life and we wish you more bountiful years ahead!!

READ | DILG Calls for Stronger Support for Over 43,000 BHERTs Nationwide

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen grassroots health systems and sustain community-based health response mechanisms beyond the pandemic, renewed its call for all local government units to support and strengthen their Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs). The DILG emphasized the vital role of BHERTs as the country’s frontline defense in protecting communities from health emergencies, ensuring immediate response during crises, and addressing everyday public health concerns at the barangay level.

To date, more than 43,000 BHERTs nationwide continue to actively serve and respond at the grassroots level. Their ongoing efforts remain crucial in promoting community health, ensuring immediate response during emergencies, and supporting local healthcare initiatives across the country.

Years after the height of the pandemic, BHERTs continue to quietly serve on the frontlines of community health response across the country. Originally organized during the COVID-19 pandemic, these teams became one of the closest links between government health services and ordinary Filipinos, especially in communities where immediate access to healthcare remains limited.

From monitoring residents and assisting during medical emergencies to supporting vaccination drives and local health initiatives, BHERTs continue to play an important role in helping communities respond to day-to-day health concerns.

As of February 2026, data from the DILG-National Barangay Operations Office showed that 88.83 percent of barangays nationwide have organized BHERTs, with more than 43,000 teams actively supporting community-level health response.

To strengthen these teams further, the Department has continued efforts to organize, reactivate, and capacitate BHERTs across the country, particularly through the BHERT-FRIENDS Project, which focuses on providing frontline responders with practical guidance, coordination support, and tools necessary for their work on the ground.

The Department added that strong barangay health systems remain essential not only during large-scale emergencies, but also in addressing everyday health concerns faced by Filipino families and communities.

TANONG NG BAYAN | Kabilang ba ang mga barangay workers sa expanded maternity leave?
Opo!

Ayon sa Section 4 ng Republic Act No. 11210 o 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, ang lahat ng buntis na nasa pampublikong sektor, anumang employment status, ay may 105 araw na maternity leave na may buong sahod, normal man o caesarean ang panganganak. Saklaw nito ang mga empleyado ng NGAs, LGUs, GOCCs, at SUCs, kabilang ang barangay workers. Ang solo mothers ay may hanggang 120 araw.

Tinitiyak din ng batas ang job security ay hindi maaaring ibaba ang posisyon, bawasan ang sahod, o tanggalin sa serbisyo dahil sa maternity leave.

Suportado ito ng DILG. Sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Ina, patuloy nating isulong ang karapatan ng kababaihan laban sa diskriminasyon sa trabaho.

TANONG NG BAYAN | Kabilang ba ang mga barangay workers sa expanded maternity leave?

Opo!

Ayon sa Section 4 ng Republic Act No. 11210 o 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, ang lahat ng buntis na nasa pampublikong sektor, anumang employment status, ay may 105 araw na maternity leave na may buong sahod, normal man o caesarean ang panganganak. Saklaw nito ang mga empleyado ng NGAs, LGUs, GOCCs, at SUCs, kabilang ang barangay workers. Ang solo mothers ay may hanggang 120 araw.

Tinitiyak din ng batas ang job security ay hindi maaaring ibaba ang posisyon, bawasan ang sahod, o tanggalin sa serbisyo dahil sa maternity leave.

Suportado ito ng DILG. Sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Ina, patuloy nating isulong ang karapatan ng kababaihan laban sa diskriminasyon sa trabaho.

Dir. Villanueva Takes Oath as CESO V, Champions Values-Driven Public Service

On April 4, 2026, Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva Jr. formally took his oath as a Career Executive Service Officer V (CESO V) at the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office in San Fernando, marking a defining milestone in a career shaped by dedication, purpose, and service. This followed his appointment by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on April 20, 2026.

The oath was administered by Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose (CESO III), in the presence of distinguished leaders including Assistant Regional Director Jay E. Timbreza (CESO IV), Provincial Directors Myrvi Apostol-Fabia and Ofelio Tactac Jr. (both CESO V), along with FAD Chief Maria Resa Pangilinan and CDD Chief Lee Allen Pineda.

In a message that resonated deeply with those in attendance, Director Villanueva reflected on the essence of extraordinary leadership. He shared that true excellence is rooted in three guiding principles: placing God and faith at the center of all endeavors, inspiring others to realize their fullest potential, and recognizing greatness even in the most ordinary tasks. His words served not only as a reflection of his journey, but also as a call to purposeful, values-driven public service.He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the mentors and colleagues who have guided and supported him along the way, individuals he described as lights that continue to illuminate his path in service.

More than a personal achievement, his oath-taking symbolizes a renewed commitment to lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. It is a reminder that genuine greatness is found in uplifting others and serving with unwavering purpose.

DILG Tarlac proudly celebrates this achievement. Congratulations, PD Tico!

About Director Villanueva

Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva Jr., LGOO VIII, LPT, En.P., MPA, CESO V, is a dedicated and accomplished public servant with over a decade of experience in governance and administration. He currently serves as Provincial Director of DILG Tarlac.

His journey began as a Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) III in the National Capital Region, steadily rising through the ranks through competence, commitment, and exemplary performance. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles across regions, including his tenure in Abra as LGOO VI and in Olongapo City as LGOO VIII and City Director.

A proud alumnus of University of the Philippines Diliman, where he graduated cm laude with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education, he later earned his Master of Public Management from University of Northern Philippines. His credentials as a licensed teacher and environmental planner reflect a multidisciplinary approach to governance and policy-making.
Recognized as a Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE) in December 2022, he was appointed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Local Government Operations Officer VIII in April 2024 and later assigned to DILG Central Luzon.

Director Villanueva’s expertise spans local development planning, leadership, mental health advocacy, and policy development. As a coach under the Local Government Academy, he actively contributes to building capacity among local leaders, including specialized training in Gender and Development (GAD) and Knowledge Management.

His excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the Pride of Cordillera Award (2022) and the Outstanding Abreño Award (2024). Notably, in 2019, he received the Extraordinary Merit Award for his presentation on the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) during a seminar in Taiwan on Knowledge-Based Economy and City Competitiveness.

Grounded in purpose and driven by service, Director Villanueva exemplifies leadership that not only achieves and inspires but also uplifts communities while strengthening internal organizational capacity and fostering institutional excellence.

𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗩𝗔 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗢 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗩

DILG Central Luzon proudly recognizes Tarlac Provincial Director Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva, Jr., CESO V, on his conferment of the Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) Rank V as a testament to his exemplary leadership and dedication to public service.

May this well-deserved achievement inspire others to lead with purpose and serve with excellence!

READ | Barangays Told: Update Development Plans, Put Anti-Poverty Programs First

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all barangays nationwide to formulate or update their 2026 Barangay Development Plans (BDPs) and Barangay Development Investment Programs (BDIPs) before the end of the year, with a clear instruction to prioritize programs that directly reduce poverty and improve daily life in communities.

The directive supports the call of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sustain poverty-reduction gains despite global economic pressures, including uncertainties arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The BDP serves as a three-year multi-sectoral roadmap that identifies a barangay’s priorities, programs, projects, and activities. It is the main planning tool that helps local leaders translate community needs into concrete action.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-087, barangays are encouraged to integrate sectoral and thematic concerns into their plans, including livelihood generation, food security, social protection, health, education, disaster resilience, peace and order, and other grassroots anti-poverty interventions.

The Department also underscored the importance of participatory governance, urging barangay officials to consult residents, civil society groups, and key stakeholders during the planning process. Inclusive planning ensures that programs are grounded on real conditions, responsive to urgent needs, and supported by the people they are meant to serve.

Barangays were likewise reminded to align their BDPs with the Comprehensive Development Plans of their respective cities and municipalities, while exploring cooperation with neighboring barangays to maximize resources and widen development impact.

DILG records show that 5,540 barangays under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) have already completed enhanced BDPs, helping strengthen local governance and improve the delivery of basic services, particularly in formerly conflict-affected and underserved communities.

The Department stressed that timely compliance is mandatory. Failure to prepare or update required plans may expose concerned officials to administrative liability under Section 60 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

To ensure accountability and full compliance, the DILG said progress will be tracked through the Barangay Information System.

ALAM N’YO BA? | MAY MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NA ANG SAFER CITIES INITIATIVE

Pinagtibay ng Kagawaran ang pampublikong seguridad sa pamamagitan ng Safer Cities Initiative. Inilabas noong ika-8 ng Abril ang Memorandum Circular 2026-029, “Encouraging the Enactment of Local Ordinances for Safer Cities: A Call to Action for Local Government Units.” Layunin nitong lalo pang palakasin ang presensya ng mga pulis sa mga urban areas. Hinihikayat ng MC na ito na magkaroon ng istriktong pagpapatupad ng mga lokal na ordinansa kontra sa pag-inom ng alak, paghuhubad, at masyadong pag-iingay sa mga pampublikong lugar. Pakay din ng MC na ito na magkaroon ng mas istriktong curfew para sa mga menor de edad.

Nakasaad din sa MC na ito ang mga sakop na batas at ordinansa na magsusuporta sa inisyatibo ng Kagawaran.

Basahin ang buong Memorandum Circular sa link na ito: https://tinyurl.com/bddkbt98

"𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐒"

Joshua 1:9 reminds us that in times of uncertainty, we are never alone. God’s command to “be strong and courageous” is both a call and a promise of His presence and guidance.

When fear or challenges arise, we are encouraged to trust God step by step, knowing that true strength is found in faith and reliance on Him, not in having all the answers.

As we continue in our journey in service, leadership, and daily life, may we stand firm and move forward with confidence. With God beside us, every step has purpose, and every victory becomes a testimony of His faithfulness.

READ | DILG to LGUs: Strengthen Ordinances, Reclaim Streets for Families

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) to pass new ordinances and strengthen existing local rules in support of the government’s Safer Cities initiative, a nationwide push to make streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces safer for Filipino families.

The campaign carries out the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen peace and order, reduce crime, and ensure that people feel secure not only at home, but also on the roads, in markets, near schools, and in places where daily life happens.

The DILG urged provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays to review and reinforce ordinances covering public drinking, roaming shirtless in public areas, excessive noise, videoke operations beyond 10:00 p.m., and curfew measures for minors.

For LGUs where these rules already exist, the Department called for consistent enforcement and stronger police visibility, especially in busy streets, transport terminals, commercial districts, and other crowded areas where residents expect order and protection.

The Department emphasized that local chief executives are mandated under the law to implement measures that promote the general welfare, maintain peace and order, protect public safety, and preserve public convenience.

Recent implementation data from the Safer Cities initiative recorded 68,257 public safety interventions, reflecting active enforcement, guidance, and community correction across participating areas. Many incidents involved public drinking and smoking, roaming shirtless in public places, minors found outside during curfew hours, and unauthorized karaoke operations beyond allowed hours.

The initiative is currently being piloted across LGUs in the National Capital Region, with expansion set for major urban centers nationwide.

The DILG said safer communities are measured by whether parents feel at ease letting their children walk outside, workers can go home without fear, and neighborhoods can rest peacefully at night.

READ | DILG: LGU Councils Cannot Hold Sessions Outside Their Jurisdiction

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded all local government units (LGUs) that regular and special sanggunian sessions cannot be conducted outside their territorial jurisdiction, stressing that local legislation must remain accessible to the people it serves.

The Department said sanggunian sessions are official legislative proceedings of the LGU and, as a general rule, must be held within the locality, as provided under the Local Government Code. Conducting sessions elsewhere undermines public access to deliberations and decisions that directly affect residents.

The Department added that sessions held beyond an LGU’s jurisdiction may be questioned before the proper courts and could expose responsible officials to appropriate administrative liability.

The DILG, however, recognized limited exceptions in extraordinary and compelling circumstances, including force majeure, natural or human-induced calamities, public emergencies, and serious threats to safety or security within the LGU.

In such cases, any temporary alternative venue must remain open and reasonably accessible to the public and all sanggunian members. Proceedings must also be properly recorded, documented, and reflected in the official minutes.

In a separate reminder, the DILG emphasized that the vice governor or vice mayor, as presiding officers of their respective sanggunian bodies, must be counted in determining quorum to avoid legal questions on the validity of deliberations and enacted measures.

At the barangay level, the punong barangay, as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Barangay, must likewise be included in determining quorum.

The Department said these rules uphold transparency, legal order, and the people’s right to witness how local decisions are made.

READ | DILG: Local Sanggunian Cannot Hold Sessions Outside Their Jurisdiction

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded all local government units (LGUs) that regular and special sanggunian sessions cannot be conducted outside their territorial jurisdiction, stressing that local legislation must remain accessible to the people it serves.

The Department said sanggunian sessions are official legislative proceedings of the LGU and, as a general rule, must be held within the locality, as provided under the Local Government Code. Conducting sessions elsewhere undermines public access to deliberations and decisions that directly affect residents.

The Department added that sessions held beyond an LGU’s jurisdiction may be questioned before the proper courts and could expose responsible officials to appropriate administrative liability.

The DILG, however, recognized limited exceptions in extraordinary and compelling circumstances, including force majeure, natural or human-induced calamities, public emergencies, and serious threats to safety or security within the LGU.

In such cases, any temporary alternative venue must remain open and reasonably accessible to the public and all sanggunian members. Proceedings must also be properly recorded, documented, and reflected in the official minutes.

In a separate reminder, the DILG emphasized that the vice governor or vice mayor, as presiding officers of their respective sanggunian bodies, must be counted in determining quorum to avoid legal questions on the validity of deliberations and enacted measures.

At the barangay level, the punong barangay, as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Barangay, must likewise be included in determining quorum.

The Department said these rules uphold transparency, legal order, and the people’s right to witness how local decisions are made.