DILG Bataan

09/04/2026

📍𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗔 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗪 𝗡𝗚 𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🇵🇭

Para sa ating paggunita ngayong Ika-84 na Anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kagitingan, narito ang isang mabilis na trivia upang sariwain ang ating kasaysayan:

💡 𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗜𝗬𝗢 𝗕𝗔?
Bago tuluyang bumagsak ang Bataan noong April 9, 1942, ang ating mga magigiting na sundalong Pilipino at Amerikano ay nakipaglaban sa loob ng mahigit tatlong buwan nang walang sapat na suplay ng pagkain, gamot, at bala.

Ang kanilang sakripisyo ang nagpabagal sa plano ng mga mananakop, na nagbigay ng sapat na oras sa mga Allied Forces upang maghanda sa ibang bahagi ng Pasipiko. Kaya naman ang Bataan ay naging simbolo ng "Unwavering Courage" o Kagitingang Hindi Natitinag.

Bilang mga taga-Bataan, bitbit natin ang dugo ng mga bayani. Nawa’y maging inspirasyon natin ang kanilang katapangan sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng modernong panahon at sa paglilingkod nang tapat sa ating bayan.

Matatag na Bataan, Matino at Mahusay na Serbisyo! 🫡

07/04/2026

𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 | Catch up on the latest DILG updates and stories from across Bataan. 🗞️

Here’s a quick rundown of key DILG Bataan provincial highlights and developments from the past weeks you may have missed. Stay informed on programs, initiatives, and activities of DILG Bataan.

Follow us for timely news and official updates.

07/04/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗼𝘀𝗮, 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁

The DILG Bataan, through its Locally-Funded Projects (LFP) Team, provided technical assistance to the Municipalities of Hermosa and Dinalupihan on the conduct of the Infrastructure Audit (IA), reinforcing efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of public infrastructure in the province on April 7, 2026.

The activity supports the implementation of the national government’s IA Program, which aims to intensify disaster preparedness by assessing the structural condition, safety, and functionality of critical public facilities. Through the initiative, local government units are better equipped to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary interventions to mitigate disaster risks.

During the activity, the DILG Bataan LFP Team guided the concerned LGUs on the proper use of audit tools, evaluation of infrastructure conditions, and systematic documentation of findings and recommendations, ensuring a more effective and standardized approach to infrastructure assessment.

31/03/2026

𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗚𝗨𝘀’ 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗙𝗟𝗚𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

DILG Bataan successfully conducted the Provincial Re-Orientation on the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) on March 30, 2026, via Zoom, with the participation of City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, C/M SWDO, Planning and Development Office, Health and Nutrition Office, Deped Representative at all levels and Representative from non-government and/or interfaith organization

The activity commenced with preliminaries facilitated by LGOO II Aleira Eunice Taguines, followed by the welcome message of Provincial Director Belina Herman, CESO V, who emphasized the importance of strengthening the commitment of local government units (LGUs) in implementing child-friendly policies, programs, and services.

The activity proper included the Orientation on the 2026–2028 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), delivered by LGOO V Michelle Samson, CFLGA Provincial Focal Person, which provided participants with an overview of the audit indicators, assessment process, and the roles of LGUs in ensuring compliance with child-friendly governance standards.

Updates on the Child-Friendly Local Governance Knowledge Management System (SCFLG-KMS) were discussed by SWO I Cristina David of the IMTF–PSWDO, particularly on the encoding, submission of documents, and monitoring of CFLGA results.

The activity concluded with a closing message from LGOO VII Cristy Blanco, Cluster Team Leader, who encouraged all LGUs to continue strengthening their programs for children and to ensure compliance with CFLGA requirements to further promote child-friendly communities in the province.

This activity forms part of the continuing efforts of the DILG to assist LGUs in strengthening local governance systems that protect and promote the welfare of children and in building child-friendly communities.

27/03/2026

𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗛 𝗦𝗲𝗮

The West Philippine Sea (WPS) Provincial Caravan was successfully conducted on March 26, 2026 at the Bataan Tourism Pavilion in Balanga City, bringing together key stakeholders to advance the province’s unified efforts in protecting the country’s maritime domain.

Organized through the collaboration of the WPS Convenors Group, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the non-government organization Tanggol Kalikasan (TK), the caravan aimed to validate, refine, and cascade Bataan’s Provincial Action Plan initially developed during the 2023 WPS National Summit. At its core, the initiative sought to strengthen political commitment, promote awareness, and institutionalize mechanisms that ensure sustainable and coordinated action.

A highlight of the activity was the solidarity message of Governor Jose “Joet Enrique S. Garcia III, who underscored that the West Philippine Sea is not merely a geographic space but a lifeline for Filipino communities and a cornerstone of national sovereignty. This was followed by the ceremonial signing of the commitment wall by provincial leaders, National Government Agencies (NGAs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), symbolizing their unified pledge to implement and sustain the action plan.

Key discussions featured the National Plan of Action presented by Asec Norlito A. Eneran, CESO III of DENR and the Provincial Plan of Action delivered by DILG Bataan Director Belina T. Herman, CESO V. Technical inputs on biodiversity and marine protection were also shared, alongside a validation workshop where participants consolidated updates to further enhance the province’s strategies.

A press briefing was likewise conducted, attended by Governor Garcia, Vice Governor Garcia, Araceli A. San Jose, Provincial Director Herman, and Felix Alicer. During the briefing, Governor Garcia emphasized that the West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water, describing it as a lifeline for fisherfolk, a foundation of food security, and a sacred part of national sovereignty. Complementing this, the Vice Governor underscored the importance of translating commitments into concrete local legislation and people-centered programs, noting that ordinances and policies must ultimately protect communities, secure livelihoods, and ensure that the benefits of the province’s efforts are felt at the grassroots level.

In addition, RD San Jose emphasized the importance of linking national, provincial, and local action plans down to the barangay level, with DILG guiding LGUs in policy development. PD Herman highlighted the crucial role of LGUs as frontliners in implementation, while Asec Alicer underscored the need for strong inter-agency and multi-sectoral partnerships to effectively protect and conserve the country’s marine resources.

The activity emphasized the critical role of local government units as frontliners in implementing policies and programs, supported by national government agencies and partner organizations. It concluded with a renewed call for collaboration, recognizing that safeguarding the West Philippine Sea requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach—anchored on shared responsibility, collective action, and enduring commitment.

27/03/2026

𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗠𝗖𝗖 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗤 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Demonstrating strong inter-agency synergy and a shared commitment to public service, the Provincial Management and Coordinating Committee (PMCC) successfully convened its 1st Quarter Meeting for CY 2026, hosted by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Bataan Male and Female Dormitories.

Presided over by DILG Bataan Provincial Director Belina T. Herman, CESO V, the meeting gathered key agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (ACE Battalion), BJMP (Male and Female Dormitories), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

The activity served as a platform for agencies to present their respective accomplishments and operational updates, highlighting intensified efforts in sustaining peace and order, strengthening internal security operations, advancing anti-illegal drug initiatives, promoting fire safety, and enhancing jail management systems across the province.

Following the meeting, BJMP officials conducted a guided walkthrough of the Male Dormitory for DILG officials, highlighting the facility’s key areas and services, including the mental and dental clinics, library, recreational and barbershop areas, prayer room, and livelihood spaces showcasing products crafted by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). The walkthrough also featured a commendable and well-maintained kitchen, reflecting sanitary food preparation practices for the PDLs. This initiative underscores BJMP’s ongoing commitment to providing humane care, promoting rehabilitation, and supporting the meaningful reintegration of PDLs.

Through strengthened coordination and collective action, the PMCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building a safer, more secure, and resilient Bataan for all.

26/03/2026

READ | DILG: MLGOOs STRENGTHEN RULE OF LAW, SUPPORT FAIR BARANGAY JUSTICE

READ | DILG: MLGOOs STRENGTHEN RULE OF LAW, SUPPORT FAIR BARANGAY JUSTICE

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed the vital role of Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the Katarungang Pambarangay system functions effectively and fairly.

Within the Katarungang Pambarangay system, MLGOOs guide barangay officials in observing proper procedures for mediation and conciliation, including the issuance of summons, the conduct of hearings, and adherence to due process under Republic Act No. 7160.

The Department clarified that while the Lupon or Pangkat does not possess coercive power to physically compel attendance, the law provides clear consequences for unjustified non-appearance. Under Section 515 of the Local Government Code, refusal or willful failure to appear despite a valid summons may give rise to indirect contempt proceedings upon proper application before the court and may also affect the ability of parties to pursue claims or counterclaims.

The DILG underscored that the absence of direct coercive authority is distinct from the existence of legal repercussions for disobedience, which are enforced through the courts.

“Ang papel ng MLGOO ay tiyakin na ang proseso ay tama, malinaw, at naaayon sa batas. Sa ganitong paraan, napapanatili ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa ating mga institusyon,” the Department said.

The DILG also expressed concern over the treatment of MLGOO Dexter Castro Narrido during a recent television interview, where he was subjected to undue humiliation while correctly discussing the application of the law. While scrutiny and debate are part of public service, these must be exercised with fairness, respect, and a shared commitment to clarity and understanding.

26/03/2026

There is a difference between a strong opinion and a correct one. The Local Government Code draws that line clearly. If we are going to speak of the law in public, we owe the public the courtesy of getting it right.

Our MLGOO Dexter Narrido, was recently invited as a resource speaker on a talk show. The issue arose premised on the (erroneous) assertion that barangays supposedly have no authority to compel the attendance of parties and witnesses. Dexter, correctly argued that the statement is incorrect and in fact cited the correct legal provision under RA 7160:

Section 515 of the Local Government Code provides:

“Refusal or willful failure of any party or witness to appear before the lupon or pangkat in compliance with a summons issued pursuant to the provisions on the Katarungang Pambarangay… may be punished by the city or municipal court as for indirect contempt of court upon application filed therewith by the lupon chairman, the pangkat chairman, or by any of the contending parties.”

Barangays do not “compel” in the same way courts do. But the law ensures that summons issued in barangay proceedings are not meaningless pieces of paper. While barangays themselves do not wield contempt powers in the judicial sense, the law expressly provides the means to enforce attendance through the courts.

Dexter, stand easy. You represented not just yourself, but every MLGOO who does the quiet, difficult work of making the law real at the grassroots. The law is on your side, and more importantly, so is the institution that you serve.

We are proud of you.

26/03/2026

PANOORIN: “Bataan Provincial Caravan on the West Philippine Sea” ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) katuwang ang Tanggol Kalikasan, kung saan tatalakayin at pagtitibayin ang mga plano at hakbang para sa mas maayos at epektibong pagpapatupad ng mga programang pangkaunlaran.

24/03/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

Several barangays across Bataan have once again raised the bar in grassroots justice, as DILG Bataan announces this year’s top-performing Lupong Tagapamayapa at the provincial level.

Demonstrating excellence in implementing the Katarungang Pambarangay, these barangays stood out for their commitment to amicable dispute resolution, efficient case management, and the promotion of peace and harmony within their communities. Below is the list of winners.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆
Provincial Winner: Cupang Proper, Balanga City

𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆
Provincial Winner: Mulawin, Orani
1st Runner-up: Sta. Elena, Orion

𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆
Provincial Winner: Omboy, Abucay
1st Runner-up: Sta. Lucia, Samal

Notably, Barangays Cupang Proper, Mulawin, and Omboy will represent Bataan in the LTIA Regional Level Competition, showcasing the province’s best practices in barangay justice administration at a higher level of evaluation.

These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of barangay officials, Lupong Tagapamayapa members, and the communities they serve. Their commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and effective governance continues to strengthen the justice system at the grassroots level and inspire other barangays across the province.

The team extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners and recognizes their valuable contributions to promoting justice, harmony, and good governance in their respective communities.