MANILA – A House leader on Thursday said Department of the Interior and Local Government’s  (DILG) PHP262.01 billion proposed 2024 budget will support the agency’s UNITE Agenda, eyed to improve local governance and peace and order nationwide.

House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Elizaldy Co said the DILG’s proposed budget will help fund its six-year priority thrusts under the UNITE Agenda, which aims to achieve peaceful, safe, progressive, resilient and inclusive communities.

UNITE stands for unleashing the maximum potential of good local governance; nourishing the bonds of national and local governments to address key sectoral concerns; intensifying efforts to ensure public order and safety; transforming governance through technology and innovation; and enhancing the capability of the Department.

Co said the DILG plays a “multifaceted role” in maintaining peace and order, efficient local governance, and provide services in times of disaster.

“Mahalaga ang tungkuling gagampanan ng DILG sa pagtugon sa agenda na ito upang mapanatili ang kaayusan ng bansa sa iba’t ibang aspeto – mula sa kapayapaan at pampublikong kaligtasan at pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng lokal na pamahalaan upang epektibong maipagkaloob ang mga pangunahing serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan (DILG plays an important role to achieve its agenda to maintain order in the country in different aspects – – from keeping the peace and public order to strengthening the capacities of local governments in order to effectively deliver essential services to Filipinos),” he said during the committee hearing on DILG’s budget.

Co said the DILG must institute activities and programs that strengthen the capabilities of local officials, enabling them to implement development projects, deliver public services, and make informed decisions that cater to the unique needs of their commodities.

“Overall, the DILG is always the first responder of the government in times of disaster. An implementer of good governance and shared responsibility to create a just, accountable, and participatory society,” he said.

Of the proposed budget for next year, PHP7.94 million will be allocated for the Office of the Secretary, PHP2.15 million for the National Police Commission, PHP196 million for the Philippine National Police, PHP23.8 million for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, PHP29.5 million for the Bureau of Fire Protection, PHP943,893 for the Philippine Public Safety College, PHP299,628 for the Local Government Academy, PHP925,397 for the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, PHP152,318 for  the Philippine Commission on Women, and PHP172,471 for the National Youth Commission. (PNA)