DILG XI - Davao del Norte

𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆-𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

In a proactive move to contribute to the RevAmp of local governance in the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao del Norte convened a strategic leveling-off and coordination meeting on June 3, 2026 at Heroben Hometel, Tagum City with research experts from Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) as part of preparations for a comprehensive policy research initiative on the proposed amendments to the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991.

The meeting, presided over by Provincial Director Jonathan J. Leybag, MPA, gathered key DILG officials and members of the DNSC research team led by Dr. Florie Ann Fermil, Dean of the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Good Governance. The activity served as an essential preparatory undertaking to harmonize research objectives, methodologies, timelines, and stakeholder engagement strategies in anticipation of the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) scheduled on June 10, 2026.

The collaboration marks the initial phase of “Revamp Davao del Norte: A Strategic Policy Review, Harmonization, and Amendment Initiative for the Local Government Code of 1991,” a research-driven undertaking designed to generate evidence-based recommendations that will support ongoing national efforts to revisit and strengthen the country's primary framework for local governance.

More than three decades after the enactment of the Local Government Code, local governance continues to evolve amid changing socio-economic realities, increasing demands for public service delivery, and the expanding role of local government units in nation-building. Recognizing these developments, the initiative seeks to assess the continuing relevance and effectiveness of existing provisions of the Code and identify policy gaps that may warrant legislative action. Particular emphasis will be placed on examining the implications of the landmark Mandanas-Garcia Ruling and Executive Order No. 138, both of which significantly reshaped the fiscal landscape and devolved functions of local government units. These reforms have broadened the responsibilities of LGUs while providing them with greater fiscal resources, underscoring the need to ensure that the Local Government Code remains aligned with present governance realities and future development imperatives.
Provincial Director Leybag emphasized the value of evidence-based policymaking and the crucial role of government-academe partnerships in crafting responsive and forward-looking governance reforms.

“Meaningful reforms must be grounded on evidence, informed by the experiences of our local governments, and enriched by rigorous academic inquiry. Through this partnership with DNSC, we aim to generate policy recommendations that genuinely reflect the realities, challenges, and aspirations of our local government units and communities,” Leybag said.

The forthcoming FGDs will bring together local chief executives, elected officials, department heads, sectoral representatives, development partners, and governance practitioners from across Davao del Norte. Their collective insights and field experiences are expected to provide valuable inputs in identifying areas of the Code that may require harmonization, enhancement, or amendment. Beyond contributing to legislative discourse, the initiative reflects DILG Davao del Norte's continuing commitment to fostering innovation, institutional learning, and participatory governance. By engaging stakeholders and leveraging academic expertise, the Province seeks to help shape policy reforms that will further strengthen local autonomy, improve accountability mechanisms, and enhance the capacity of local governments to deliver responsive and inclusive public services.

As preparations move forward for the June 10 consultations, the partnership between DILG Davao del Norte and DNSC stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing governance reforms that are evidence-based, future-oriented, and responsive to the evolving needs of local communities.

Warmest birthday greetings to Lloyd Mark B. Villareal from the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Davao del Norte family!

May your special day be filled with joy, good health, and countless blessings. Your dedication, commitment, and service continue to inspire those around you. Wishing you more success, happiness, and meaningful milestones in the years ahead.

Happy Birthday, Lloyd Mark! 🎉🎂🎈

𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and good local governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Davao del Norte Provincial Office, under the leadership of Provincial Direcor Jonathan J. Leybag, MPA, Maj PA (Res), took a key role in the convening of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at intensifying the province’s campaign against illegal logging.

Held on May 21 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan inside the Provincial Capitol Complex in Tagum City, the activity gathered major government and law enforcement agencies to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enforcement mechanisms, and local governance support in addressing environmental crimes and forest degradation in Davao del Norte.

Director Leybag emphasized that the fight against illegal logging must go beyond enforcement operations and be deeply anchored on strong local governance, community participation, and accountability among local government units (LGUs). He stressed the importance of cascading the anti-illegal logging crusade down to cities, municipalities, and barangays to ensure the effective implementation of environmental laws, ordinances, and localized monitoring systems.

“The protection of our forests is not solely the responsibility of enforcement agencies. It is a shared governance responsibility that requires the active participation of LGUs, barangays, communities, and all stakeholders,” Director Leybag said during the gathering.

The DILG Davao del Norte Provincial Office also highlighted the critical role of local chief executives and barangay officials in strengthening environmental governance, particularly in monitoring upland communities, regulating transport routes used for illegal timber activities, and institutionalizing local mechanisms against environmental violations.

Joining the activity were Provincial Administrator Atty. Ralph Dela Cruz, Lt. Col., PA (Ret.), Provincial Prosecutor Norman Solis, PNP Provincial Director Glenn G. Cristines, and Alvin V. Luzon, along with representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and other partner agencies.

The MOU signing formalized the commitment of participating agencies to pursue stronger collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions against illegal logging operations and related environmental offenses across the province.

For the DILG Davao del Norte Provincial Office, the initiative reflects a broader governance agenda that links environmental protection with public accountability, disaster resilience, and sustainable local development. Under Director Leybag’s leadership, the office continues to advocate for responsive and collaborative governance mechanisms that empower local governments to become active stewards of environmental preservation and ecological security.

The activity concluded with participating agencies expressing renewed solidarity in protecting Davao del Norte’s forest resources, recognizing that preserving the environment remains essential to safeguarding communities and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

Warmest and heartfelt birthday greetings to 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐅. 𝐃𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐋𝐆𝐎𝐎 𝐕𝐈 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠! 🎉🎂

Today, we celebrate your special day and your dedication to public service. Your leadership, integrity, and passion for excellence make a real difference in improving local governance and supporting the community you serve.

May this new year of your life bring you good health, success, and more chances to inspire and lead. Stay focused on your mission and find satisfaction in everything you do.

Your 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 is proud to stand with you in your journey of service. We celebrate your life, your achievements, and your invaluable contributions today and always.

Join us this May 5–6, 2026 as DILG XI brings you the “Stronger LGUs: Training Workshop on the Empowerment of Local Sanggunians as Quasi-Judicial Bodies in Conducting Administrative Investigations.”

This two-day learning event aims to strengthen the capacity of local sanggunians in carrying out their quasi-judicial functions with competence, fairness, and integrity.

Stay tuned and watch us LIVE here on our official page.

DILG XI is hiring!

We are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to fill the positions of One (1) Local Government Operations Officer VII and One (1) Administrative Assistant II

Apply now and be part of our mission for better governance!

For more information, click here! https://bit.ly/DILGXI_NOV