DILG Aurora PREPARE HUB

PRESS RELEASE

DILG Prioritizes Strengthened LGU Systems and Community Protocols in Disaster Preparedness

DILG Prioritizes Strengthened LGU Systems and Community Protocols in Disaster Preparedness

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to enhance the capacities of  local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness through robust systems-based protocols, grassroots engagement, and anticipatory planning. Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos,  Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, the DILG reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient communities by equipping both barangays and cities with tools that prevent loss of lives and ensure rapid response.

Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Department’s posture is simple but resolute: anticipate, prepare, and act decisively before disasters strike. “Disaster preparedness must be embedded in how we govern every day. Bago pa bumaha, bago pa tumama ang bagyo, dapat may galaw na ang lokal na pamahalaan,” Remulla said.

As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the DILG leads the implementation of Operation Listo, a disaster readiness protocol that standardizes pre-disaster actions for governors, mayors, and punong barangays. In April 2025, the Department launched the enhanced Listo si Kap protocol, focusing on equipping barangay officials with the right tools, coordination frameworks, and situational checklists to activate even in far-flung sitios.

The Department has also taken a stronger stance on LGU-led solid waste management and flood mitigation, recognizing the connection between local governance and climate resilience. All LGUs have been urged to update their disaster preparedness plans, monitor critical waterways, and preposition cleaning and rescue assets ahead of weather disturbances. Barangays are expected to lead early warning dissemination, implement evacuation protocols, and coordinate with city and municipal DRRM councils.

To support this, the DILG is upgrading Emergency 911 systems nationwide. More LGUs are now operating local E911 call centers that are geotagged, multilingual, and linked directly to police, fire, and medical responders. This allows for faster deployment and clearer coordination at the community level.

The Department is also integrating disaster risk reduction with inclusive wellness and community programming. Through Memorandum Circular No. 2025-037, LGUs are reminded to open civic spaces such as parks, plazas, and covered courts to all members of the public, particularly during emergencies and evacuations. These same venues are also encouraged to be used for disaster education, drills, and wellness activities to strengthen community ties.

“The work of preparedness does not belong to one office alone. Every barangay, every LGU must be part of the system. Preparedness is governance. Kaligtasan ay responsibilidad ng lahat,” said Remulla.

The DILG is currently monitoring compliance with disaster protocols nationwide and working with the Department of Budget and Management to support LGUs in upgrading equipment and training under the Local Government Support Fund and other resilience initiatives. 

PRESS RELEASE

DILG to Coastal LGUs: Establish Greenbelt Zones to Fight Food Insecurity, Disasters

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging coastal local government units (LGUs) to establish greenbelt zones as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for food security and climate-resilient communities.

Issued through Memorandum Circular No. 2025-066 dated July 7, 2025, the issuance emphasizes the role of greenbelt zones, composed of mangroves and beach forests, as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal flooding, while also serving as vital nursery grounds for fisheries and aquaculture.

The DILG calls on LGUs to identify priority areas for greenbelt development, particularly densely populated and hazard-prone coastal zones, including those legally designated as protected marine areas. LGUs are tasked to lead in the rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded sites, and enforce environmental safeguards such as bans on mangrove cutting, shoreline encroachment, and destructive fishing practices.

The circular also enjoins LGUs to enact ordinances declaring greenbelt zones as protected areas or Local Conservation Areas, and to integrate a Coastal Greenbelt Management and Action Plan into their Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Local Climate Change Action Plans, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans.

As frontliners in disaster risk reduction and environmental governance, LGUs are in a strategic position to lead local adaptation efforts and help build food-secure, climate-resilient coastal communities.

#DILGNatin

PRESS RELEASE

DILG Rolls Out “Listo si KAP” to Strengthen Barangay Disaster Preparedness

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call for safer and disaster-resilient communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched Listo si KAP (Komunidad at Punong Barangays), a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response framework tailored for barangays.

Building on the multi-hazard response plan Operation L!sto, Listo si KAP provides barangays with protocols to help them better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The initiative promotes heightened vigilance during the pre-disaster phase, outlines critical actions for imminent hazards, and guides communities in conducting post-disaster needs assessments.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 2025-035, the DILG designated the existing Barangay Development Council as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Council, responsible for approving the Barangay DRRM Plan and recommending emergency measures such as preemptive evacuation. The Barangay DRRM Committee (BDRRMC), meanwhile, will function as the LDRRM Office tasked with crafting and executing disaster risk management programs at the barangay level.

Among the BDRRMC’s responsibilities during the preparedness phase are the conduct of regular disaster drills, ensuring the availability of emergency equipment and supplies, and auditing critical infrastructure. During the response phase, barangays must activate operations centers, manage evacuation sites, and coordinate search and rescue efforts.

Post-disaster, BDRRMCs are also expected to assist in damage assessment, rehabilitation efforts, and engage various sectors in crafting sustainable recovery solutions.

With Listo si KAP, the DILG affirms its commitment to empowering barangays in building disaster-resilient communities across the country. 

#DILGNatin