Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is directing all barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to start early inventory and turnover preparations to ensure seamless grassroots governance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Memorandum Circular No. 2026-021 was issued months ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in November. The DILG emphasized that all barangay and SK officials must fully account for properties, financial records, documents, and money accountabilities before the assumption of newly elected officials.

The department warned that failure to properly turn over government properties and accountabilities could result in administrative and legal liability under existing laws. MC No. 2026-021 directs barangay chairpersons to form Barangay Inventory Teams (BITs), composed of officials and community representatives, to oversee documentation and turnover of assets and records. SK chairpersons must form SK Inventory Teams (SKITs) to uphold youth sector accountability.

These teams will conduct both initial and final inventories and coordinate with the City and Municipal Assessment and Transition Teams for operational support during the transition period. The DILG said the directive, grounded in existing laws, reinforces President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s push for accountability and aims to prevent disruptions in basic services during the November leadership transition.

'Transitions should not interrupt service. This is about making sure every incoming official can continue delivering for their community from day one,' the DILG said.