Secretary of the Interior and Local Government facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Secretary of the Interior and Local Government |
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_Seal_-_Logo.svg){kind=logo}
Official seal of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government |
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.jpg) Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr. since June 30, 2022 |
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| Style | The Honorable |
| Appointer | The President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments |
| Term length | At the President's pleasure |
| Inaugural holder | Pascual Alvarez |
| Formation | March 22, 1897 |
The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (in Filipino: Kalihim ng Interyor at Pamahalaang Lokal) is a very important person in the Philippine Cabinet. This person is in charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Think of the DILG as a big team that helps local governments work well. They also make sure our communities are safe and orderly. The Secretary leads this team.
The current Secretary is Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr.. He started his job on June 30, 2022.
Contents
What Does the Secretary Do?
The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government has a big job! They help local governments, like those in cities, provinces, and towns, run smoothly. This includes making sure they follow rules and serve their communities well.
Helping Local Governments Thrive
The Secretary works to make sure that local leaders have the support they need. They help local governments with things like:
- Planning for community development.
- Managing their money wisely.
- Providing services to their citizens.
Keeping Communities Safe
A key part of the DILG's work is public safety. The Secretary helps oversee the Philippine National Police (PNP). This means they work to ensure that police officers are doing their job to keep people safe and maintain peace and order across the country.
History of the Role
The role of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government has a long and interesting history. It started even before the Philippines became fully independent.
Early Beginnings: Revolutionary Government
The first person to hold a similar position was Pascual Alvarez. He was called the Director of the Interior in 1897 during the Tejeros Convention. This was a time when Filipinos were fighting for their freedom. Later, the title changed to Minister of the Interior during the Biak-na-Bato Republic.
American Occupation and Commonwealth Era
During the American occupation, a new Department of the Interior was created in 1901. People like Dean Conant Worcester and Rafael Palma served as Secretaries during this period. When the Commonwealth was established, the role continued to be important.
Post-War and Modern Era
After World War II, the Department of the Interior was briefly abolished in 1950. However, the need for a department to help local communities was clear. So, new offices were created, and eventually, the role of Secretary of Local Government and Community Development was established.
In 1986, the department became what it is today: the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Since then, many dedicated individuals have served as Secretary, working to improve local governance and public safety for all Filipinos.
Images for kids
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Official seal of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
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Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr., the current Secretary
