DILG Office of the Assistant Secretary for International Relations

READ | DILG Pushes Stronger Child Protection in LGUs with Nationwide Safeguarding System

Children across the country stand to benefit from stronger protection against abuse, violence, and exploitation as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the Local Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy (LCSPP) Document Guide and e-Learning Course, giving local government units (LGUs) practical tools to build safer communities for every child.

Unveiled at the DILG-NAPOLCOM Center in Quezon City in partnership with Council for the Welfare of Children and Stairway Foundation Inc., the initiative supports the administration’s priority to strengthen child protection systems and promote more responsive local governance.

Representing the Department, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian De Leon said the time has come to move beyond fragmented responses and establish lasting systems that truly protect children.

“What’s been missing is a safeguarding system that is localized, institutionalized, and embedded in the way LGUs actually operate, not a checklist, but a system,” she said.

The LCSPP tools provide LGUs with clear guidance on prevention, reporting, referral, case management, and monitoring, helping ensure that child protection measures are not occasional efforts but part of everyday governance.

Through the program, LGUs are expected to strengthen frontline responses, improve coordination among local offices, and create safer environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive free from fear and harm.

During the launch, government officials, development partners, and child representatives signed a pledge of commitment, highlighting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to safeguarding children at the grassroots level.

Among those present were CWC Executive Director, Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales; Stairway Foundation Inc. Executive Director Lars C. Jorgensen; Carmona City Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola; and SM Cares representative Royston Cabuñag.

The LCSPP reflects a strong partnership among DILG, CWC, and Stairway Foundation Inc., combining policy leadership, technical expertise, and community-based implementation to strengthen safeguarding systems nationwide.

With the nationwide rollout of these tools, the DILG reaffirmed its commitment to child-centered, accountable, and responsive local governance, so that every Filipino child is protected, valued, and given the chance to reach their full potential.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joins the Local Government of Bacolod in celebrating the successful turnover of the newly renovated and equipped Primary Care Facility under the Indian Grant Assistance for Quick Impact Projects (I-QIP).

The Department, represented by Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon underscores DILG’s continued commitment to strengthening local governance and enhancing the delivery of basic services at the community level. This initiative reflects the power of partnerships in advancing accessible, efficient, and inclusive healthcare for all.

As stewards of local development, we commend the LGU of Bacolod for its dedication to ensuring the sustainability, proper management, and maximized utilization of this facility for the benefit of its constituents.

May this milestone further inspire collaborative efforts that drive meaningful and lasting impact in our communities.

🌱 𝐄𝐔–𝐏𝐇 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 (𝐏𝐒𝐂) 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 of the EU–Philippines Green Economy Partnership convened high-level representatives across government and development partners, delivering concrete decisions, aligning national priorities, and strengthening coordination to scale impact across sectors.

[𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞] 𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐨🏝️♻️

Through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 197, Series of 2026, the Municipality of Del Carmen officially designates Circular Futures Street—located beside Bayay Numancia from Roxas Street to San Miguel Street—as a hub for green livelihoods, circular solutions, and collaborative action.

Today, the European Union through the , together with DILG and UNDP Philippines, joins Del Carmen in advancing Circular Futures: a locally led circular economy solutions that brings together communities, local leaders, and partners at the forefront of this transition.

As the Municipality of Del Carmen positions Siargao as a major tourism destination, this initiative opens pathways for stronger interlocal cooperation to promote green and circular tourism across the island.

♻️ The is funded by the European Union in the Philippines as part of the EU’s initiative and spearheaded by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to support a green, just, and sustainable future.

🌏 Co-led by the DILG Philippines and implemented by UNDP, its Specific Objective 2 (SO2) empowers local governments and communities to lead inclusive circular economy transitions—reducing plastic and organic waste, creating green jobs, and building climate resilient local systems rooted in sustainability. 🌱

𝐢𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 | Del Carmen Welcomes Key Partners for a Greener Future! ♻️

March 25, 2026 at Del Carmen Solid Waste Management (SWM) Facility, Brgy. Cancohoy, Del Carmen, Siargao Island

The Municipality of Del Carmen proudly welcomed the delegation from the 🇪🇺 European Union to the Philippines, led by Programme Manager Mr. Tsvetomir Svilenov, together with the 🇵🇭 Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), headed by Asec. Lilian M. De Leon and Mr. Deacon Peralta.

Also present were the EU-PH Partnership for Green Economy, led by Dr. Moeko Saito-Jensen and the Green LGUs Project Team, alongside our Local People’s Organizations and the Local Circular Economy Action Team.

The visit to our Waste Management Center in Del Carmen (JCA 1221), with Atty. Asis, served as an opportunity to showcase and discuss how our Solid Waste Management (SWM) system works—highlighting one of our key innovations: the production of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), transforming non-recyclable waste into a sustainable energy source.

🌱 Isa ini sa mga solusyon sa ato krisis karon—turning waste into opportunity while protecting our environment.

Together, we move forward towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Del Carmen! 💚

♻️ This significant milestone is supported under the EU-PH Green Economy, funded by the European Union in the Philippines as part of the EU’s initiative and spearheaded by DENR to support a green, just, and sustainable future.

🌏 Co-led by the DILG Philippines and implemented by UNDP Philippines, its Specific Objective 2 (SO2) empowers local governments and communities to lead inclusive circular economy transitions—reducing plastic and organic waste, creating green jobs, and building climate-resilient local systems rooted in sustainability. 🌱

🤝 Through the SO2 , the Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, Surigao del Norte, Philippines is advancing inclusive, locally led circular economy (CE) transitions.

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | A Historic Milestone for Sustainability in Del Carmen! ♻️🇪🇺🇺🇳

The Official Ceremonial Launch and Unveiling of the Circular Futures Street Marker! 📍🌍

Pursuant to Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 197, Series of 2026, a vital portion of Plandano Street—extending from the corner of Roxas Street to San Miguel Street—is now officially designated as Circular Futures Street. This isn't just a change in name; it is a permanent symbol of Del Carmen’s unwavering commitment to locally-led circular economy solutions, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.

🤝 A Global Partnership in Action
This significant milestone is supported under the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, funded by the European Union as part of its Global Gateway initiative. This mission, co-led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlights Del Carmen’s role as a leader in the transition toward inclusive, green municipalities.

✨ Distinguished Guests on the Ground

We are deeply honored to have our esteemed partners and stakeholders with us this afternoon to witness this unveiling:

Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines: Led by Mr. Tsvetomir Svilenov, Programme Manager.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): Represented by Asec. Lilian M. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations, and Mr. Deacon Peralta.

EU-PH Partnership for Green Economy (SO2: Green LGUs Project Team): Headed by Dr. Moeko Saito-Jensen, together with Mr. Earl Paulo Diaz, Mr. Christian Camarao, and Mr. Mark Dalin-as.

🏢 Private Sector & Civil Society Solidarity

Our journey toward a circular future is strengthened by the presence of our valued business partners, Atty. Jeremiah Asis (JCA 1221 Venture/Holdings Inc.) and Ms. Roxan E. Gesta, alongside a powerhouse coalition of stakeholders:

Action Against Hunger | AGREA | ILAJA | LOKAL LAB | WWF | Project Pearls | Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) | DOST Project Waves | SIKAT Inc.

This afternoon’s event affirms that when international support meets local political will and community action, real change happens. From the mangroves to our streets, Del Carmen is proving that the future is circular! 🏝️♻️

♻️ The is funded by the European Union in the Philippines as part of the EU’s initiative and spearheaded by DENR to support a green, just, and sustainable future.

🌏 Co-led by the DILG Philippines and implemented by UNDP Philippines, its Specific Objective 2 (SO2) empowers local governments and communities to lead inclusive circular economy transitions— reducing plastic and organic waste, creating green jobs, and building climate resilient local systems rooted in sustainability. 🌱 ​

🤝 Through the SO2 , Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Philippines is advancing inclusive, locally led circular economy (CE) transitions.

𝐢𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 | Advancing a Greener Future for Del Carmen

This morning, the Municipality of Del Carmen reached another milestone in its commitment to sustainable development. SB Jen Petallo and Mr. Jay-R Sumabat led an insightful presentation highlighting the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership.

As we champion the "CE Small Island" initiative, we continue to bridge the gap between local action and international standards. This partnership focuses on circular economy practices, climate resilience, and protecting our precious natural resources for future generations.

Together, we are proving that small islands can lead the way in big environmental change!

♻️ The is funded by the European Union in the Philippines as part of the EU’s initiative and spearheaded by DENR to support a green, just, and sustainable future.

🌏 Co-led by the DILG Philippines and implemented by UNDP Philippines, its Specific Objective 2 (SO2) empowers local governments and communities to lead inclusive circular economy transitions— reducing plastic and organic waste, creating green jobs, and building climate resilient local systems rooted in sustainability. 🌱 ​

🤝 Through the SO2 , Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Philippines is advancing inclusive, locally led circular economy (CE) transitions.

[𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞] 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹. 🌱

In August 2025, we welcomed 10 new city partners into the 𝐄𝐔-𝐏𝐇 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 extended our shared vision to accelerate the country’s circular transition.

This month, that commitment moved closer to home.

With the successful completion of the local inception workshops in 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, all 10 local government units now identified key challenges they will tackle to initiate the circular economy transition.

Not as a single solution, but as a portfolio of interconnected actions: enabling policies, engineering interventions, behavior change, strategic partnerships, financing mechanisms, and strengthened capacities––working together as one system.
With local leadership at the center, these cities move forward with clearer direction and a stronger shared foundation for a circular economy.

City by city, the circular shift continues!

♻️ The is funded by the European Union in the Philippines as part of the EU’s initiative and spearheaded by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) support a green, just, and sustainable future.

🌏 Co-led by the DILG Philippines and implemented by UNDP Philippines, its Specific Objective 2 (SO2) empowers local governments and communities to lead inclusive circular economy transitions—reducing plastic and organic waste, creating green jobs, and building climate resilient local systems rooted in sustainability. 🌱

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its support for women in local governance as Lilian M. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations, delivered a message during the 3rd National Summit and National Election of the National Executive Board of the Lady Local Legislators’ League of the Philippines, Inc. (Four-L Philippines) held on March 6–8, 2026 at the Century Park Hotel Manila.

Representing Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Assistant Secretary De Leon highlighted the vital role of women leaders in promoting responsive and inclusive local governance, noting their strong contributions in advancing community-centered policies and strengthening local institutions.

The event also featured the election and oath-taking of the newly elected national officers of Four-L Philippines, which was administered by Assistant Secretary De Leon. The DILG likewise extended its congratulations to the newly elected officers: President VM Josephine B. Mariscal (Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental); Executive Vice President VM Christine Garin (Guimbal, Iloilo); Secretary General VG Baby Glenda Ong Bongao (Tabaco, Albay); Treasurer BM Karla Adajar (Laguna); Auditor VG Maria Caridad Sison Goteesan (Eastern Samar); and Public Relations Officer BM Dr. Lovely Izquierdo Isahac (Sulu).

Also elected were the chapter officers and members of the Board of Directors: Luzon Chapter – Vice President VG Diana Apigo Tayag (Occidental Mindoro), with Board Members VG Marie Rose Fongwan Kepes, VG Cris Garcia, VG Eufemia Dacayo, and SP Angelu De Leon; Visayas Chapter – Vice President VG Milai Mercado, with Board Members VM Mai Colis, VM Jing Tabujara, VM Ivy Durano, and SP Aping Cordova; and Mindanao Chapter – Vice President BM DJAM Macarambon, with Board Members BM Dr. Dayang Jumaide, SP Atty. Rema D. Erigbuagas-Burdeos, BM Atty. Jennifer Mariano, and VM Jingle Bansuelo.

The summit served as a platform for dialogue, leadership development, and strengthened collaboration among women local legislators in advancing inclusive development and good local governance across the country.

𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗣𝗦: “𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻…”

March 3, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. held a policy forum and exhibit on Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the Philippines as kick-off event in celebration of the National Women’s Month.

In partnership with the House of Representatives Committee on Women and Gender Equality, the policy forum and artvocacy exhibit focused on the crucial role of women in peacebuilding and the advancement of the WPS legislative agenda.

“DILG, as the lead implementer of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, welcomes the leadership of the PLCPDF in pushing for legislative remedies to amplify women's participation against violence, displacement, and injustice,” says Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon.

The event was attended by Representative Ann Matibag (Chair, Committee on Women and Gender Equality), Ms. Susana Guadalupe H. Marcaida (Exec.Dir., WPS Center for Excellence), OPAPRU, PCW, TINGOG Partylist, NGAs, and CSOs and was held at the People’s Center, House of Representatives.