The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its strong commitment to assist all Local Government Units (LGUs) and Newly Elected Officials (NEOs) in preparing their local development and budget plans under the Updated Synchronized Local Planning and Budgeting Calendar (SLPBC).

The Updated SLPBC provides a clear and unified framework for LGUs to align their local priorities with national development goals. It contains a detailed schedule of key activities, including the submission of Comprehensive Development Plans (CDP) by cities and municipalities by March 2026, ensuring timely and evidence-based planning at the local level.

This initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to streamline local development processes under a joint circular issued by the DILG with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

The updated guidelines strengthen provincial oversight, foster inter-agency convergence, and synchronize planning and budgeting calendars across provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.

To further empower LGUs, the DILG continues to enhance planning tools and capacity-building programs. Among these are the updated 2019 Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP)+ Manual and Easy Guide, which help local planners craft risk-informed and climate-responsive development plans. The Department has likewise conducted Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Module III-B training from May to July 2025, equipping local focal persons and coaches to use community-level data for informed decision-making.

The DILG urges all LGUs to comply with the SLPBC timelines and processes, emphasizing that efficient and synchronized planning is key to translating local aspirations into tangible results for communities.

Through continuous technical assistance, policy guidance, and practical planning tools, the DILG stands ready to support LGUs in achieving responsive, inclusive, and transparent governance, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 and the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to empower LGUs and expand their fiscal and developmental capacities.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Reaffirms-Full-Support-to-LGUs-NEOs-in-Strengthening-Local-Planning-and-Budgeting/NC-2025-1236