By Lane Afable, News Editor
Months ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all barangay and SK officials nationwide to begin early inventory and turnover preparations to ensure seamless governance at the grassroots.
Issued through Memorandum Circular No. 2026-021, the directive reinforces President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for accountability across all levels of government and aims to prevent disruptions in basic services during the transition of leadership in November.
“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 said.
To institutionalize the process, Punong Barangays are instructed to organize Barangay Inventory Teams (BITs), composed of barangay officials and community representatives, to oversee the documentation and turnover of all assets and records. SK Chairpersons are likewise directed to form SK Inventory Teams (SKITs), ensuring youth sector accountability is upheld.
These teams will conduct both initial and final inventories and will work closely with City and Municipal Assessment and Transition Teams to guarantee compliance and provide operational support throughout the transition period.
The directive is anchored on existing laws, including Presidential Decree No. 1445, the Local Government Code of 1991, and the SK Reform Act of 2015, all of which mandate proper management, documentation, and safeguarding of government resources.
The DILG warned that failure to properly turn over government properties and accountabilities may result in administrative and legal liability under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The Department emphasized that a complete and transparent turnover is critical to ensuring continuity in public service and maintaining trust in local governance.
“Transitions should not interrupt service. This is about making sure every incoming official can continue delivering for their community from day one,” the Department added.
The BSKE is scheduled on the first Monday of November 2026.
