The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged all local government units (LGUs) to strictly coordinate with Philippine embassies, consulates or missions when entering into international sister-city or town-twinning agreements, warning against engagements that may be construed as unauthorized diplomacy.

“This policy ensures that international engagements of LGUs are legitimate and prevents such activities from being perceived as unauthorized diplomacy. We want to make sure that everything is in accordance with the foreign service and diplomatic functions of the Republic,” the DILG said in Memorandum Circular No. 2026-004.

The circular provides additional guidelines for implementing international sister-city agreements to ensure adherence to applicable Philippine laws, rules and regulations.

Under the directive, LGUs with upcoming international sister-city or town-twinning activities, meetings, negotiations or memorandum of agreement (MOA) signings — whether conducted physically or virtually — must formally coordinate with the concerned Philippine embassy, consulate or mission that has jurisdiction over the sister city’s country.

Coordination must be made at least seven days before the activity and should include the proposed itinerary, agenda, list of participants and, when applicable, a draft MOA. The requirement applies even when travel is classified as personal or non-official, provided LGU-to-LGU engagement is part of the trip.

“All international sister-city activities conducted abroad must be acknowledged by the appropriate Philippine diplomatic post,” the department emphasized, noting that this is necessary to ensure compliance with foreign service protocols and documentation standards.

The circular also mandates LGUs to designate their Local Government Relations Unit (LGRU), or an equivalent office, to handle coordination and maintain official records of communications with diplomatic posts. Proof of prior coordination must be submitted as part of applications for Foreign Travel Authority (FTA).

Sister-city agreements are recognized under the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991, which grant LGUs authority to enter into partnerships for mutual benefit. However, the DILG stressed that such authority must be exercised responsibly.

“The goal is not to restrict international cooperation, but to professionalize and safeguard it,” the DILG said. “Proper coordination protects both the LGUs and the national interest.”

The memorandum applies to all provinces, cities and municipalities with existing or planned international sister-city or town-twinning partnerships.