DILG Office of the Assistant Secretary for International Relations

27/08/2026

DILG Highlights Commitment to Safer and More Accountable Workplaces at 2026 CODI Summit

TAGUIG CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joined key government institutions in advancing efforts to promote safer, more accountable, and gender-responsive workplaces during the 2026 Summit on Committees on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

Organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Summit, themed “Tindig Babaylan, Pang-aabuso’y Wakasan!”, brought together government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of CODI mechanisms in preventing and addressing sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and other forms of workplace misconduct.

Representing the DILG during the Summit’s Press Conference, Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon joined senior officials from the PCW, Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in bringing the discussion on CODI mechanisms and workplace protection to the wider public.

The participation of the DILG highlighted the Department’s role in promoting accountability, dignity, and protection in public service, particularly in strengthening mechanisms that enable employees to raise concerns and seek appropriate assistance without fear of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abuse.

As the Department responsible for strengthening local governance, the DILG also recognizes the importance of ensuring that principles of safe and respectful workplaces extend across local government units (LGUs). Effective CODI mechanisms, together with increased awareness and institutional support, are essential in fostering workplaces where respect and accountability are upheld regardless of position, title, or rank.

The press conference provided an opportunity for participating agencies to underscore the importance of collective action, public awareness, and stronger institutional mechanisms in preventing workplace harassment and ensuring that individuals have access to appropriate channels for assistance and redress.

Through its participation in the CODI Summit, the DILG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen gender-responsive governance and promote a culture of respect, integrity, accountability, and safe public service across government institutions and local communities.

05/08/2026

IN THE LIMELIGHT | Pagkakaisa para sa West Philippine Sea, Binigyang-diin sa ika-10 Anibersaryo ng South China Sea Arbitral Award

Muling pinagtibay ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), katuwang ang iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan at mga lokal na pamahalaan, ang matatag na paninindigan ng bansa sa pagtatanggol sa ating mga lehitimong karapatan sa West Philippine Sea.

Ginanap ang Bayanihan para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas 2026 na may temang, “Isang Bansa, Isang Dagat, Isang Paninindigan,” noong Hulyo 23, 2026 sa Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Patuloy na isinusulong ng DILG ang pagpapalalim ng kamalayan ng mamamayan at pagpapalakas ng pakikiisa ng bawat Pilipino sa pangangalaga at pagtatanggol sa ating mga karagatan para sa kasalukuyan at sa susunod na henerasyon.

Basahin ang kabuuang detalye dito: https://tinyurl.com/ys2mr36u

IN THE LIMELIGHT | Pagkakaisa para sa West Philippine Sea, Binigyang-diin sa ika-10 Anibersaryo ng South China Sea Arbitral Award

Muling pinagtibay ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), katuwang ang iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan at mga lokal na pamahalaan, ang matatag na paninindigan ng bansa sa pagtatanggol sa ating mga lehitimong karapatan sa West Philippine Sea.

Ginanap ang Bayanihan para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas 2026 na may temang, “Isang Bansa, Isang Dagat, Isang Paninindigan,” noong Hulyo 23, 2026 sa Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Patuloy na isinusulong ng DILG ang pagpapalalim ng kamalayan ng mamamayan at pagpapalakas ng pakikiisa ng bawat Pilipino sa pangangalaga at pagtatanggol sa ating mga karagatan para sa kasalukuyan at sa susunod na henerasyon.

Basahin ang kabuuang detalye dito: https://tinyurl.com/ys2mr36u

03/08/2026

READ | DILG strengthens PH-Egypt ties through diplomatic engagement

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon, joined the celebration of the 74th National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Farewell Reception for His Excellency Nader Zaki, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Philippines, at The Heritage Hotel Manila in Pasay City.

The diplomatic reception gathered members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials from the Philippine government, representatives of international organizations, development partners, and the private sector in celebration of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Egypt.

The occasion also marked the conclusion of Ambassador Zaki's diplomatic assignment in the Philippines as he prepares to return to Cairo, Egypt, following the completion of his tenure as Egypt's Ambassador to the country.

Representing the Department, Assistant Secretary De Leon conveyed DILG's commitment to fostering stronger international partnerships and promoting dialogue with foreign governments in support of good governance, local development, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The event also provided an opportunity for the Department to engage with key stakeholders and diplomatic partners, reaffirming DILG's continued support for initiatives that strengthen bilateral relations and expand opportunities for collaboration in areas of shared interest.

DILG remains committed to advancing the country's international engagement by building strategic partnerships that contribute to sustainable development, institutional cooperation, and stronger people-to-people ties.

30/07/2026

PASIG CITY — “Building a healthier nation requires perseverance, partnership, and shared responsibility,” emphasized by DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian De Leon, who represented DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, during the National Conference on the State of Healthcare Access in the Philippines.

The conference, a Promoting Rights Organizing for Health (PRO-Health) initiative, served as public venue to share achievements, present field-level accountability reports, assess progress in Philippine health governance over the past 3 to 5 years. Featured sites were Puerto Princesa, San Miguel in Bohol, Naga, Pasig, Dumaguete, Southern Leyte, and Lanao.

PRO-Health is a collaborative effort led by Government Watch (G-Watch) alongside the Accountability Research Center (ARC), Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilyang Pantawid (SNPP), the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), civil society organizations, and local government units (LGUs).

Notably, Assistant Secretary De Leon underscored DILG’s readiness to provide necessary support and assistance, together with the concerned National Government Agencies, on healthcare matters toward a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Bagong Pilipinas.

Event participants were representatives from partners such as NCMH, DSWD, NNC, Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, World Vision, Y4MH, CYAN, Pasiglaban Kabataan, PIDS, The Asia Foundation, Imagine Law, Pamantasan ng Lungsog ng Pasig, UNDP, and Philippine Society for Public Health Physicians.

29/07/2026

DILG Highlights the Vital Role of LGUs in Advancing Philippine MSMEs at Asia SME Forum 2026

Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon represented the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Asia SME Forum 2026, where she underscored the indispensable role of local government units (LGUs) in fostering a business environment that empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive and compete globally.

Speaking before government officials, local chief executives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners, ASec De Leon emphasized that strengthening local governance is key to unlocking greater economic opportunities across the country.

"If we want our SMEs to compete globally, we must first ensure they can thrive locally. This is where local governments play a vital role—not only in delivering public services, but also as key partners in investment promotion, business facilitation, and local economic development."

She also highlighted the DILG's continued efforts to promote ease of doing business through reforms and digital governance initiatives, including the Local Government Unified Support System and the eLGU System, which enable LGUs to provide more efficient, accessible, and transparent services to businesses and citizens.

The Asia SME Forum 2026 gathered key leaders from the public and private sectors under the theme "From Local Success to Global Impact: Scaling ASEAN SMEs," providing a platform to discuss strategies for strengthening the country's MSME ecosystem and enhancing the global competitiveness of Filipino enterprises.

28/07/2026

𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔 𝐀𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, successfully convened the "Bayanihan para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas 2026" on July 23, 2026, at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan, carrying the theme, "Isang Bansa. Isang Dagat. Isang Paninindigan." The event formed part of the country's commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award in the South China Sea Arbitration, reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful, lawful, and rules-based assertion of its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The event was attended by local government officials from the country's ten (10) frontline coastal provinces—Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Bataan, Batangas, and Batanes—led by their respective Governors, Vice Governors, and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Joining them were representatives from civil society organizations, the academe, including the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), fisherfolk organizations, national government agencies, including Assistant Director General for Partnerships and Engagements Francis Jude S. Lauengco of the National Security Council (NSC), Assistant Secretary James A. Layug, MNSA, of the Department of Agriculture, Assistant Secretary Laurence E. Mina, Deputy Administrator for Operations of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group – Maritime Unit 1 (PNP MG-MU1), and officials from the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, as well as city and municipal local government units, demonstrating a united commitment to advancing good governance and safeguarding the country's national interests in the West Philippine Sea.

During the program, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor C. Remulla underscored that safeguarding the West Philippine Sea is a shared national responsibility that transcends politics and requires the collective commitment of every Filipino.

He emphasized that while the National Government continues to pursue diplomacy and peaceful engagement, strengthening local government units remains essential in protecting the country's coastlines, conserving marine resources, enhancing disaster preparedness, and securing the livelihoods of fisherfolk and coastal communities.

"The tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Award reminds us that sovereignty is not defended only in courtrooms or at sea—it is strengthened every day through our unity, good governance, and unwavering commitment to protecting our nation," Secretary Remulla stressed.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon highlighted the Department's initiative, "Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas," which empowers local government units to become active partners in promoting good governance, environmental stewardship, maritime security awareness, and sustainable development in frontline coastal communities.

She reported that eight of the country's ten frontline coastal provinces—Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Pangasinan, Occidental Mindoro, and Bataan—have successfully completed their Provincial Caravans for the West Philippine Sea, while preparatory activities are underway in Batangas and Batanes.

Assistant Secretary De Leon also announced that eight provinces have already institutionalized their respective West Philippine Sea Councils through local ordinances, executive orders, and resolutions, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of initiatives that promote local governance and national interest.

As part of the program, the DILG conferred Plaques of Recognition upon the ten frontline coastal provinces in recognition of their sustained commitment to advancing programs and initiatives supporting the West Philippine Sea and strengthening local governance.

To further reinforce the Department's call for collective action, Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan led government officials, local chief executives, representatives from national government agencies, civil society organizations, the academe, media, and other stakeholders in the Pledge of Commitment and the ceremonial signing of the Commitment Wall, symbolizing their unified resolve to uphold the country's sovereignty and sovereign rights through peaceful, lawful, and collaborative efforts.

The activity reaffirmed the DILG's steadfast commitment to building resilient and empowered local government units that contribute meaningfully to safeguarding the country's national interests. Through strengthened partnerships with local governments, national agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners, the Department continues to advance a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in promoting awareness, protecting coastal communities, and fostering sustainable governance in the West Philippine Sea.

28/07/2026

Strong local governance is essential to protecting the West Philippine Sea and advancing our national interests.

During the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award in Lingayen, Pangasinan, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon underscored the critical role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in promoting maritime governance, environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development through the Department's "Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas" initiative.

The DILG remains committed to strengthening partnerships and empowering local governments to help uphold the country's sovereignty and sovereign rights through peaceful, lawful, and whole-of-government efforts.

READ | DILG: Strong LGUs key to safeguarding the West Philippine Sea

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday underscored the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in supporting the country's efforts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as it led the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Speaking during the event, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon emphasized that the West Philippine Sea is not solely a matter of maritime security or foreign affairs, but also one of effective local governance that strengthens coastal communities and advances national interests.

“Bakit importante ang role ng LGUs sa usapin ng West Philippine Sea? Madalas kasi ang naiisip po natin kapag WPS, tungkol lang sa maritime security o foreign affairs. Pero, in reality, malaking bahagi po dito ang local governance,” De Leon said.

“Sila, kasama tayo, ang magpoprotekta sa WPS while promoting sustainable development,” she added.

De Leon highlighted the Department's "Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas" program, which empowers LGUs to take greater ownership of West Philippine Sea initiatives by helping frontline coastal provinces validate, enhance, and implement localized action plans that promote maritime governance, environmental protection, food security, and inclusive economic growth.

To date, eight of the ten frontline coastal provinces have completed their provincial caravans: Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Pangasinan, Occidental Mindoro, and Bataan. Preparatory activities are also underway in Batangas and Batanes.

Beyond the caravans, De Leon said the initiative has strengthened institutional mechanisms at the local level, with eight provinces establishing their respective West Philippine Sea Councils through ordinances, executive orders, and resolutions to ensure continuity, accountability, and sustainability of their programs.

“Hindi natatapos ang inisyatibo pagkatapos lamang ng caravan. Nagkakaroon tayo ng institutionalized governance mechanisms na magtitiyak ng continuity, accountability, at sustainability ng mga programa ng bawat probinsya,” she said.

As part of the commemoration, the DILG conferred Plaques of Recognition on the ten frontline coastal provinces in recognition of their sustained commitment to advancing good local governance and supporting initiatives related to the West Philippine Sea.

De Leon also expressed the Department's gratitude to its partner agencies and organizations, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Tanggol Kalikasan, the Institute of Environmental Governance, and other stakeholders, for their continued collaboration in promoting sustainable and rules-based initiatives for the West Philippine Sea.

The commemoration reaffirmed the government's commitment, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to upholding the country's sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful, lawful, and whole-of-government efforts while protecting the welfare of coastal communities that depend on the country's marine resources.

27/07/2026

DILG Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Disaster Preparedness During NDRM Kick-Off

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and building resilient communities during the Kick-Off Ceremony of the 38th National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM).

Representing the Department as Vice Chairperson of the Disaster Preparedness Pillar of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Assistant Secretary De Leon emphasized that resilience begins with preparedness and proactive action before disasters occur.

Anchored on the theme, "NAGHAHANDA at KUMIKILOS tungo sa PANATAG na BAGONG PILIPINAS," this year's observance highlights the collective efforts of government agencies, local government units, the private sector, and communities in building a safer and more resilient Philippines.

In her message, Assistant Secretary De Leon highlighted the DILG's key disaster preparedness initiatives, including Operation LISTO, the strengthening of Emergency Operations Centers and the Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System (DORMS), the implementation of the Infrastructure Audit Program, and the continued rollout of the modernized Unified 911 System to enhance emergency response nationwide.

She also underscored that disaster resilience is a shared responsibility, calling on all sectors to remain vigilant and committed to building safer and stronger communities in pursuit of a Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas.

20/07/2026

13/07/2026

𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆 𝐂𝐨-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

BONN, Germany, June 2026 — Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon was invited to participate in the official side event 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐂𝐋𝐆𝐃) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, where she served as Co-Chair of the panel titled “𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬: 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐃𝐂 𝟑.𝟎.” With her as Co-Chair was Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Executive Secretary of the Climate Law and Governance Initiative, Chair in Sustainable Development Law & Policy of the University of Cambridge, and Senior Director of the Center for International Sustainable Development Law. The side event was part of the 64th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB 64) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

During the panel discussion, she highlighted the Philippines’ policy framework and ongoing initiatives supporting the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). She emphasized the importance of local ownership, community empowerment, and sustained capacity-building for local government units in achieving the country’s climate objectives.

Assistant Secretary De Leon likewise underscored the need for grassroots-driven solutions and a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to addressing the climate crisis, highlighting the critical role of local governments and communities in translating national climate commitments into concrete action.