The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its commitment to peace and good governance following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, citing major strides in drug enforcement, grassroots empowerment, and local accountability. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted the record-breaking seizure of 82.79 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs as a result of the Marcos administration’s focused and bloodless approach to enforcement.

“This is not just a campaign. It is a transformation of how we deliver justice with strength but also with dignity. Walang pinapaboran, walang sinasanto,” said Secretary Remulla. “We will not stop until every barangay feels safe, protected, and supported.”

More than 153,000 drug personalities have been arrested through 113,815 anti-drug operations conducted by the Philippine National Police and other drug enforcement agencies. These figures reflect the government’s shift to intelligence-driven, rights-based policing, supported by active internal cleansing efforts led by NAPOLCOM through lifestyle checks and fast-tracked case resolutions.

At the local level, over 1,300 Anti-Drug Abuse Councils and 26,000 Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils were rated highly functional, serving as primary movers of drug prevention, education, and rehabilitation strategies. These efforts complement DILG’s broader agenda to strengthen grassroots governance and protect vulnerable communities.

In line with the President’s directive, the DILG has also urged local governments to identify and refer street dwellers and urban poor families to the 4Ps and other DSWD programs. The Department is likewise encouraging barangays and SKs to organize wellness activities such as fun runs, Zumba, palaro, and Car-Free Sundays, and to ensure that parks, civic centers, and open spaces remain accessible to all.

To safeguard public infrastructure, the DILG enjoined local governments to inspect hanging bridges and submit condition reports, especially in vulnerable areas like Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur. These efforts are coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity under the PAMANA and Retooled Community Support Program, both of which advance peace and development in former conflict zones.

The DILG continues to enforce the Full Disclosure Policy and promotes transparent governance through the SubayBAYAN system, which tracks local infrastructure projects in real time. To bolster public safety, the Department is scaling up Emergency 911 operations by establishing local call and dispatch centers equipped with geotagging and real-time response tools. These upgrades aim to meet the President’s five-minute police response directive and improve coordination with local police stations.

“The President laid down the vision. The DILG is on the ground turning that vision into action from the city halls to the most remote sitios. Ang Bagong Pilipinas ay nagsisimula sa matatag at maayos na pamahalaang lokal,” Secretary Remulla added.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Stronger-LGUs-Safer-Barangays-and-Smarter-Enforcement-Define-Post-SONA-Agenda/NC-2025-1121