The barangay, as the basic political unit, “shall serve as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the community." Section 106 of the Local Government Code mandates that each local government unit (LGU) shall have a comprehensive multi-sectoral development plan to be initiated by its development council and approved by its Sangguniang.

The Department issued DILG Memorandum Circular 2021-087 dated August 13, 2021 to provide guidance to the barangays in formulating or updating their barangay development plans (BDPs) through a process that is comprehensive, multi-sectoral, and community-driven.

Further, the Department, together with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Finance (DOF), issued JMC No. 1 s. 2024 to enhance the guidelines on harmonized, streamlined, and enhanced public financial management of local government units. This includes updating the Synchronized Local Planning and Budgeting Calendar (SLPBC) to include, but not be limited to, the barangay planning and budgeting process. Attached is the 2026 Barangay Development Planning Schedule for reference.

In this regard, pursuant to the abovementioned policies, all barangays are hereby reminded to formulate and/or update their respective BDPs, including their Barangay Development Investment Programs (BDIPs), guided by the provisions of DILG MC 2021-087 and the following general planning considerations:

a) Integration of sectoral and thematic concerns in the BDP;

b) Participation of the barangay residents and other stakeholders;

c) Alignment of BDPs to the comprehensive development plans (CDPs) of cities/municipalities; and

d) Collaboration and coordination between and among barangays.

The status of compliance of barangays in the formulation and/or updating of their respective BDPs shall be monitored and submitted through the Barangay Information System (BIS).

Officials who fail to comply with the formulation and/or updating of BDPs may be subjected to an appropriate administrative case filed against them pursuant to Section 60 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

Source: MC 2026-030