The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has secured approval from the Senate Committee on Finance for its proposed P287.4-billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, covering the DILG and its ten attached agencies. The proposal now moves to the Senate plenary for further deliberation.

The proposed 2026 budget marks a 1.8 percent increase over the department’s 2025 appropriation. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented the budget, affirming that every peso is dedicated to fostering safer communities and strengthening local governance.

“Every peso allocated here proves our concern and determination for safer communities, orderly agencies, and local government, and an upright, efficient, and reliable department,” Remulla said.

The Philippine National Police received the largest allocation at P210.1 billion, followed by the Bureau of Fire Protection with P32.7 billion, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) with P29.3 billion.

The budget is earmarked for several critical initiatives, including the hiring of 6,000 new police, fire, and jail personnel; the construction of 99 new fire stations and one new jail facility; the procurement of firearms and radios for the BJMP; and the full operationalization of the DILG Negros Island Region.

Funding is also allocated for the maintenance of fire stations and fire trucks, and the establishment of national child development centers.

Remulla stressed that the department will ensure the judicious use of public funds to build safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.

He also pledged the DILG remains committed to making every peso work for the Filipino people through efficient institutions and resilient communities.