DILG decentralizes travel request approval for LGU execs, employees

MANILA, Philippines — Approval of request for foreign travel by local government officials and employees will now be handled by the heads of the regional and provincial offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Administrative Order 47 delegates the approval of travel requests to regional and local field offices of the agency to streamline the approval process.

Based on DILG Circular 2026-017, which took effect on Sept. 7, the DILG secretary has the exclusive authority over all official and personal foreign trips of governors, and mayors of highly urbanized and independent component cities as well as of the mayor of Pateros.

The DILG secretary has the sole authority to approve foreign travel applications of any local elective official if the 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, the 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 of appointed local officials and employees when the travel exceeds three months or coincides with emergency situations.

For barangay officials and personnel in component cities and municipalities, the 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 said all foreign travel applications will be processed through the Foreign Travel Authority Online System, where applicants can submit required documents.