Support for DILG’s proposed budget, programs pressed
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored his endorsement of the proposed 2025 budget allocation for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, highlighting the importance of adequate funding for the department’s key role in maintaining public order, good governance and improved public service delivery especially at the local level.
As the chairperson of the Committee on Youth, Go also emphasized his commitment to supporting and enhancing youth programs under the National Youth Commission (NYC), which falls under the DILG’s purview.
In his manifestation during the Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget, Go further emphasized the importance of equipping the DILG with adequate funding to fulfill its mandate effectively, particularly to sustain peace and order that is crucial to attain economic stability.
“The DILG plays a vital role in ensuring not just the peace and order in our communities, but as well as our country’s economic stability. Kaya naman po mahalaga na mabigyan sila ng sapat na pondo para masiguro na magagawa nila ang kanilang mandato nang walang balakid,” he explained.
Highlighting his advocacy for the modernization of law enforcement agencies, Go expressed hope for additional funding to support the ongoing modernization efforts of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as part of the BFP Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
Under Republic Act No. 11589, the BFP is set to acquire advanced fire equipment, expand its workforce of firefighters, and deliver specialized training to enhance readiness for fire emergencies.
The law also requires the BFP to conduct regular fire prevention campaigns and information drives in collaboration with local government units and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“Kasama na po dito ang ating law enforcement agencies tulad po ng PNP, and of course bilang principal author po ng Bureau of Fire Modernization, sana po’y madagdagan ang pondo nila at mas ma-implement po ang kanilang modernization,” he said, emphasizing the need for resources to bolster public safety.
In light of Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s recent appointment to lead the DILG, Senator Go conveyed his confidence in Remulla’s capacity to enhance support for local government units and supervise PNP and other operations of uniformed personnel under DILG.
“I also congratulate the newly appointed Secretary of the DILG, Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Tiwala ako na sa pamumuno ni Sec. Remulla, who is a dedicated local government official for three decades, we could further empower and assist our LGUs and ensure a stable and secure community for our people,” Go stated.
Concluding his remarks, Go reaffirmed his support for the proposed DILG budget, highlighting the inclusion of various attached agencies such as the BFP, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Local Government Academy, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, National Police Commission, Philippine Commission on Women, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Public Safety College.
