DILG Decentralizes Foreign Travel Approval for LGU Officials

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has decentralized the approval of foreign travel requests for local government unit (LGU) officials and employees, transferring authority to regional and provincial offices to streamline the process. Administrative Order 47 delegates the approval of travel requests to the regional and local field offices of the agency. Previously, the DILG Secretary held exclusive authority over many of these applications. Under DILG Circular 2026-017, effective Sept. 7, the DILG Secretary retains sole authority for all official and personal foreign trips of governors, mayors of highly urbanized and independent component cities, and the mayor of Pateros. The Secretary's exclusive approval is also required if a trip exceeds three months or coincides with a state of emergency or crisis. For official trips lasting three months or less during non-emergency periods, heads of DILG regional offices are authorized to grant clearances to elected and appointed officials and employees of provinces, cities, and municipalities. DILG regional directors may also approve requests from appointed local officials and employees when travel exceeds three months or coincides with emergency situations. For barangay officials and personnel in component cities and municipalities, heads of DILG provincial offices can approve travel requests exceeding three months or taking place during a crisis. Approval of similar requests by barangay officials in highly urbanized and independent component cities will be handled by the heads of DILG city offices. The DILG stated that all foreign travel applications will be processed through the Foreign Travel Authority Online System, allowing applicants to submit required documents online. This move aims to facilitate smoother operations for local governments and enhance access to international engagements and training opportunities.