The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday welcomed the full and upfront release of the P1.19 trillion National Tax Allotment (NTA) to local government units (LGUs) for fiscal year 2026, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that public funds translate into immediate and meaningful services for the public.

In a statement, the DILG said the timely release of the NTA strengthens the capacity of LGUs to deliver essential services and respond effectively to the needs of their constituents, consistent with the people-centric thrust of the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

“The early and full release of the FY 2026 NTA gives our LGUs the fiscal space to plan ahead, act decisively, and sustain vital local services,” the DILG said. “This directly supports stronger local governance and faster delivery of services to the public,” the DILG added.

The department emphasized that the prompt release of funds reinforces fiscal decentralization and empowers LGUs to fully perform their devolved functions under the Constitution and the Local Government Code.

The DILG also reminded LGUs to ensure the judicious, transparent and accountable use of their NTA, strictly for authorized purposes and in compliance with existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules.

“As partners in governance, the DILG will continue to support and guide LGUs in translating these resources into concrete outcomes that improve the daily lives of our citizens,” the department added.