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.