Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) pursues budget of PHP 287.5 billion for 2026
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to present its budget for 2026 to the House of Representatives on Monday, September 8, at 11 am. The proposed budget, amounting to P287.5 billion, represents an increase of P8.4 billion from the 2025 budget.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasised that the budget will be utilised to empower local and regional governments, rationalise government systems, and improve public sector efficiency. Notably, the 2026 National Expenditure Program has given DILG the fifth-highest budget allocation among departments.
One of the key areas of focus for the DILG's budget is the Enhancing Local Government Unit Capacity on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Framework, which has been allocated P76 million for 2026. This provision aims to strengthen communities and improve people's capacity to anticipate, cope with, and recover from disasters.
The Local Government Academy, under DILG, has a special provision for disaster prevention and risk reduction measures. This aligns with the President's commitment to addressing climate change and disaster preparedness.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), an agency under DILG, is set to receive the largest share of the department's budget at P210.1 billion. The PNP's Crime Prevention and Suppression Program is getting the largest share of the DILG's operations budget at P194.6 billion.
The Bureaus of Fire Protection (BFP) and Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are the two other agencies with the highest allocations, at P32.7 billion and P29.3 billion respectively. The BFP's Fire and Emergency Management Program has a budget of P26.9 billion, while the BJMP's Inmates' Safekeeping and Development Program has a budget of P24.7 billion.
However, the House will also investigate allegations of an P8-billion allocation for firearms supposedly under the DILG but which could not be found in its 2025 or 2026 budgets. The House's Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department has noted key issues and challenges in the DILG, including thousands of unfilled positions, unused appropriations, and equity in locally funded projects.
In the 2025 national budget, DILG was fourth in terms of budget allocation. The House's scrutiny of the DILG's budget is expected to provide insights into how these issues will be addressed and how the increased budget will be utilised to improve the department's operations and services.
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