ILOILO — All barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) units in Western Visayas have been ordered to complete a full inventory and turnover of government properties, funds, and records before year-end 2026, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warning of possible legal action against officials who fail to comply.
The directive, issued through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-021, aims to prevent disputes, ensure accountability, and guarantee a smooth transition of leadership ahead of the November 2, 2026 barangay and SK elections.
DILG-6 regional director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said preparations must begin as early as September, stressing strict adherence to timelines for inventory and turnover.
“By December 20, I expect all already finished doon sa transition, ‘yung physical transition ha. At hoping na lahat po ay dumulog at ibigay lahat ng mga equipment, mga data…lahat na na-mention doon sa memorandum circular,” Ingeniero stressed.
“It is imperative that every resource, including important documents, budgets, and all barangay-owned properties, be transferred to the new leaders,” Ingeniero emphasized.
Barangays are required to organize Barangay Inventory Teams (BITs) and SK Inventory Teams (SKITs) to oversee the process, including cataloging all assets and ensuring proper documentation to avoid disputes after the transition.
Key deadlines include the creation of inventory teams not later than September 15, submission of initial inventory reports by September 30, and completion of final inventory and turnover ceremonies by December 20.
Ingeniero also issued a stern warning against withholding government property.
He said officials who fail to turn over barangay assets, especially those listed in official inventories, may face administrative and legal consequences.
The DILG said the measure is critical to maintaining continuity of programs, safeguarding public funds, and preserving official records during leadership changes.
“When leadership changes, government assets and records must be properly turned over, and nothing should be left out. As we prepare for the November 2 election, our objective is clear: to ensure an orderly and transparent, and seamless transition of governance. While leadership changes, accountability must remain,” said Ingeniero./PN
