REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A. Francisco Gold Condominium II
EDSA Cor. Mapagmahal St., Diliman, Quezon City

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
NO.
TO

ALL PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS, CITY MAYORS, MUNICIPAL MAYORS,

PRESIDING OFFICERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN,
SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD AND SANGGUNIANG BAYAN,
PUNONG BARANGAYS, ARMM REGIONAL GOVERNOR AND DILG
REGIONAL DIRECTORS

SUBJECT

FOREIGN TRAVELS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

AND EMPLOYEES

In the interest of efficiency and of prompt delivery of public service, the existing
rules and regulations embodied in DILG Memorandum Circulars Nos. 2006-163, 2006-22
and 2001-52 dated November 30, 2006, March 6, 2006 and May 8, 2001, respectively,
are hereby amended and promulgated, pursuant to OP Administrative Order No. 267,
s., 1992, OP Administrative Order No. 6, s., 2001, and Sections 47 and 96 of the Local
Government Code of 1991, as follows:
I. Coverage
All local government officials, elective or appointive, and employees, including
those in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
II. Definition of Terms
1. Short Term Study Trip refers to training or scholarship for a period not exceeding
one year.
2. Long Term Study Trip refers to training or scholarship for a period beyond one
year.
3. Sponsored means funded or subsidized by the inviting agency or
organization.
4. Organized means prearranged or conducted by the inviting agency or
organization.
5. Official Time Only means that, except for the payment of salary and other
applicable emoluments for the duration of such trip, no other government
expense such as pre-departure expenses, international airfare or per diem shall
be authorized.
6. Official Business means that the foreign travel pursued are with entitlements,
I.e., payment of international airfare, travel allowance as prescribed under OP
Executive Order No. 298 s. 2004.

III. Nature of Travel

For purposes of these rules and regulations, the nature of a foreign travel may be
classified in three (3) categories: Study Trip, Non-study Trip or a Foreign Trip for Personal
or Private Purpose, briefly explained as follows:
1. Study trip. It covers short-term or long-term technical training or scholarship
grant processed or coordinated either by the Commission on Higher Education,
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Local
Government Academy of this Department, by other national government
agencies, international agencies, by foreign governments, or as part of an
existing partnership agreement between a local government in the country
and its counterpart abroad.
This is to be pursued on Official Time Only. However, if the training or
scholarship grant requires counterpart funding, i.e., traveling expenses, or daily
subsistence allowance, the same may be pursued on Official Business to the
extent of the counterpart share.
2. Non-study trip. It refers to a foreign travel that is either urgent and extremely
necessary; or expected to bring immediate benefit to the country; or clearly
essential to Philippine international commitments; or a part of a contractual
obligation.
(a)

The following circumstances are considered to be pursued on

OFFICIAL TIME ONLY:
i.

To attend a conference or a seminar organized by a local private

organization.

ii.

To attend a conference or a seminar organized by an

international private organization which is directly sent to the LGU.

iii.

To undertake a local government-initiated Study Cum Observation

Tour outside the country.

iv.

To participate in Study Cum Observation Tour organized by the

Regional Offices of the Department of Tourism, Department of
Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Department of Agriculture and other national
government agency, without Certification from the National
Office that the said activity is in accordance with the priority
program of the national agency concerned.

(b)

However, a non-study trip may be pursued on OFFICIAL BUSINESS but

only under highly meritorious circumstances, limited to the following:

i.

To attend a conference or a seminar which is in accordance with

the Capability Building Agenda of the local government unit and
organized by foreign government or by an international
organization to which the Philippine Government is committed or
invited to send representative(s).

ii.

To attend a conference or a seminar which is in accordance with

the Capability Building Agenda of the local government unit and
organized by foreign private organization. Provided, that, if the
activity is organized by a foreign private organization, invitation

thereto should be sent through its respective government to the

Philippine Government agencies and to the local government
units.
iii.

To attend a conference, seminar or an event that is clearly

intended to promote local government technical exchange and
cooperation, or is a part of an existing agreement between a
foreign local government and a Philippine local government.

iv.

To undertake a site or product inspection which is stipulated in a

duly perfected contract.

v.

To undertake a national government agency-organized Study

Cum Observation Tour, including trade and investment promotion,
and tourism promotion outside the country, i.e., national offices or
regional offices of the Department of Tourism, Department of
Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources and Department of Agriculture, among others. Provided
further, that the activity organized by the Regional Office is
accompanied by a Certification that such activity is in
accordance with the priority program of the national agency
concerned.

3. Personal or Private Trip refers to a foreign travel pursued for a personal or

private purpose such as medical reason, emergency, a special occasion
wherein the presence of a local government official or employee is deemed
indispensable and other personal considerations such as attendance to a
gathering of an organized association of Filipinos abroad or commemoration
of a special event or festival celebration, social visit and the like.
A personal or private trip shall be undertaken while on an Official Leave of
Absence.
IV. Entitlements
1. Government expenditures relative to a Study Trip shall be limited to predeparture expenses in the amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos
(P1,500.00), and to counterpart share, as applicable.
2. For a Non-Study Trip under highly meritorious circumstances cited above in
Items III. 2. (b) i, ii, iii, iv and v, government expenditures may include
international airfare (economy), and/or daily subsistence allowance based
on the United Nations Development Program Index pursuant to Executive
Order No. 298, s. 2004.
V. Approving Official
1. Secretary of Interior and Local Government
(a) Foreign trip of a Provincial Governor, Mayor of a Highly Urbanized City or
Mayor of an Independent Component City, regardless of the nature and
duration of such travel, pursuant to Section 47 of the Local Government
Code of 1991.
(b) Foreign trip of any elective local official, which involves the use of public
funds, pursuant to Section 96 (c) of the LGC,1991.

(c) Foreign trip of any elective local official that exceeds three (3) calendar
months, pursuant to Section 96 (c) of the LGC,1991.
(d) Foreign trip of any elective local official during a period of emergency or
crisis, pursuant to Section 96 (c) of the Local Government Code of 1991.
2. Provincial Governor
(a) Foreign trip of a Provincial Vice Governor, Mayor of Component Cities
and Municipalities and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, on
Official Time only, and on a personal or private trip not exceeding three
(3) calendar months.
(b) Foreign trip of a provincial appointive personnel on official business, on
official time only, and on a personal or private trip.
3. City or Municipal Mayor
(a) Foreign trip of a Vice Mayor of Component Cities and Municipalities,
Punong Barangay and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, or
Sangguniang Bayan, on Official Time Only, and on a personal or private
trip not exceeding three (3) calendar months.
(b) Foreign trip of a city or municipal appointive personnel, including a
barangay government personnel, on Official Business, Official Time Only,
and on a Personal or Private Trip.
It is understood that nothing in this delegation of authority diminishes the authority
of the Secretary of Interior and Local Government, or thru the Undersecretary for Local
Government or Director, Bureau of Local Government Supervision to act upon any
request for travel authority in any of the following circumstances: (1) walk-in clients; (2)
urgent requests; and (3) any request which, after review and evaluation by the BLGS,
found the same to be on Official Time Only.
VI. Assembling of Documents
Administrative requirements in support of any request for a travel authority shall be
assembled in the following manner:
A. Request Subject to the Approval of the Secretary
1. Letter-request stating the nature of the travel, i.e., study trip, non-study trip or
personal or private trip, inclusive dates of the travel and the place or places of
destination:
(a) For a study trip, indicate the title or purpose of the technical training or
scholarship grant, including the name of the donor or sponsoring agency;
(b) For a non-study trip, indicate the purpose of the said trip, including the
name of the donor or sponsoring agency, if any, or the organizer of the
conference or seminar; and
(c) If it is a personal or private trip, indicate the purpose of such trip;

2. Endorsement from the DILG Regional Director or in the case of ARMM, from the
Regional Governor of the ARMM, the DILG Provincial Director, and DILG City
Director, or City Local Government Operations Officer or Municipal Local
Government Operations Officer, as the case maybe;
3. Endorsement from the Provincial Governor, in the case of a provincial elective
official, where the trip is on official business or a foreign trip that exceeds more
than three (3) calendar months, or during a period of emergency or crisis;
4. Endorsement from the City Mayor or Municipal Mayor, in the case of a city or
municipal elective official, including those of a component barangay, where
the trip is on official business or a foreign trip that exceeds more than three (3)
calendar months, or during a period of emergency or crisis;
5. Endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, from the Local Government
Academy, or from other government agencies, together with, a copy of the
Acceptance Letter and Service Contract, in the case of a study trip;
6. A copy of the invitation letter from the host country, sponsoring agency or
organizer, in the event of a non-study trip;
7. Memorandum of Agreement, if the purpose of the trip is Local Government
Technical Exchange;
8. National Government Agency (Central Office) Certification, in case the trip is
organized by its Regional Office, attesting that the activity of the Regional
Office is in accordance with the priority program of the agency;
9. A duly notarized Sworn Statement attesting that: (a) no administrative charge
or criminal case has been filed or pending against the applicant; or (b) there is
a case filed against the applicant and the office where the case was filed;
10. Clearance from Money and Property Accountabilities;
11. Statement as to the immediate and direct benefits to the local government ,
when the travel involves the use of public funds; and
12. Accomplished application for a leave of absence, where the travel is personal
or private in nature, in the case of a Provincial Governor, Mayor of a Highly
Urbanized City or Mayor of an Independent Component City, and other
elective official where the foreign trip exceeds more than three (3) calendar
months, or during a period of emergency or crisis.
The duly notarized sworn statement and clearance from money and property
accountabilities shall be renewed per request of a Travel Authority.
B. Request Subject to the Approval of the Local Chief Executive
1. Letter-request stating the nature of the travel, i.e., study trip, non-study trip or
personal or private trip, inclusive dates of the travel and the place or places
of destination:
(a) For a study trip, indicate the title or purpose of the technical training or
scholarship grant, including the name of the donor or sponsoring agency;

(b) For a non-study trip, indicate the purpose of the said trip, including the
name of the donor or sponsoring agency, if any, or the organizer of the
conference or seminar; and
(c) If it is a personal or private trip, indicate the purpose of such trip;
2. Endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, from the Local Government
Academy, or from other government agencies, together with, a copy of the
Acceptance Letter and Service Contract, in the case of a study trip;
3. A copy of the invitation letter from the host country, sponsoring agency or
organizer, in the event of a non-study trip;
4. Memorandum of Agreement, if the purpose of the trip is Local Government
Technical Exchange;
5. National Government Agency (Central Office) Certification, in case the trip is
organized by its Regional Office, attesting that the activity of the Regional
Office is in accordance with the priority program of the agency;
6. A duly notarized Sworn Statement attesting that: (a) no administrative charge
or criminal case has been filed or pending against the applicant; or (b) there is
a case filed against the applicant and the office where the case was filed;
7. Clearance from Money and Property Accountabilities;
8. Accomplished application for a leave of absence, where the travel is personal
or private in nature, in the case of a Component City Mayor, Municipal Mayor,
Sanggunian Members, and all appointive local officials.
The duly notarized sworn statement and clearance from money and property
accountabilities shall be renewed per request of a Travel Authority.

VII. Filing of Request

A. For Foreign Travels Subject to the Approval of the Secretary
The above-listed documents in Items VI. A. 1-12 may be sent through email
at lad_blgs@yahoo.com, or through mail, to reach the Office of the Secretary,
at least five (5) working days prior to departure, at:
Office of the Secretary
Department of the Interior and Local Government
10/F A. Francisco Gold Condominium II
EDSA Corner Mapagmahal Street, Diliman, Quezon City
B. For Foreign Travels Subject to the Approval of the Local Chief Executive
The above-listed documents in Items VI. B. 1-8 must be strictly observed.
VIII. Other Rules and Regulations
1. In keeping with the policy to promote a high standard of ethics in public
service, every local government official and employee is enjoined to refrain

from accepting an invitation to travel abroad, directly or indirectly funded, fully

or partially, by any contractor or supplier of goods, equipment and services,
unless such travel is to be undertaken for the purpose of product inspection as
part of a duly perfected contract.
2. As an important pillar of Philippine relations with China, every local official or
employee is enjoined to strictly observe the One-China Policy mandated in
Presidential Executive Order No. 313, s.1987, Office of the President
Memorandum Circular N0. 148, s. 1992, and as reiterated in DILG Memorandum
Circular No. 2008-150 dated October 2, 2008.
3. For a trip relating to a sister city or twinning relationship, a maximum duration of
the trip of ten (10) days and a five (5)-member delegation to represent the
local government may be allowed, provided that: (a) the responsibility of each
member is clearly defined and clearly related to their individual work or jobs in
their official stations, and (b) there is a clear added value of the trip in relation
to an existing or planned scheme of the local government unit to further good
governance and development.
4. For trade and investment promotion, tourism promotion, study tour such as on
environment and agriculture, a maximum duration of the trip of three (3) days
and a five (5)-member delegation to represent the local government may be
allowed, provided that: (a) the responsibility of each member is clearly defined
and clearly related to their individual work or jobs in their official stations, and
(b) there is a clear added value of the trip in relation to an existing or planned
scheme of the local government unit to further good governance and
development.
5. In the case of a Non-Study Trip, Travel Authorization shall include travel time
which is equivalent to one day before and one day after the conference or
event proper.
6. An extended stay beyond the authorized period shall be considered as
personal or private in purpose, where the official must file his corresponding
application for a leave of absence.
7. Any local official or employee authorized to travel abroad, on a Study or NonStudy Trip, shall, within 10 working days upon return to official station, submit an
After-Travel Report to the concerned approving authority.
IX. Limitation of Travel for Local Chief Executive
Travel abroad of any Local Chief Executive shall not exceed fourteen (14)
cumulative days in a year, so as not to prejudice the delivery of basic services of the
concerned LGU provided under Section 17 of the LG Code.
X. Recall of Authority
The Travel Authority issued to any local government official or employee maybe
recalled by the Secretary or his duly representative in case of emergency, and natural
and disaster calamities.
XI. Grounds for Non-Processing or Disapproval of Request
1. Incomplete administrative requirements shall not be processed and shall be
returned to the concerned party without favorable action;

2. Any request that does not reach the Office concerned for at least five (5)
working days prior to departure without a strong justification of the delay shall
be a ground for the non-processing of the request;
3. No post-travel authority shall be issued in case of a failure to secure a travel
authorization prior to departure; and
4. Failure to submit an After-Travel Report as enjoined in Item VIII. 7, shall be a
ground for the disapproval of any subsequent request for Travel Authorization.
XII. Sanctions
No local government official shall leave for abroad without the appropriate travel
authorization having been duly issued by competent authorities, or without a duly
accomplished leave application filed before or approved by such authorities, as
provided under these rules and regulations. Any violation of this provision shall be dealt
with accordingly pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations.
XIII. COA Liquidation Requirement
In addition to the approved Travel Authorization, and to the usual supporting
documents prescribed under applicable accounting and auditing rules and
regulations, the above documentary and reportorial requirements shall likewise form
part of the enclosures for liquidation and other purposes.
XIV. Responsibilities of the DILG Regional Directors
and the ARMM Regional Governor, through the DILG-ARMM Secretary
All DILG Regional Directors and the ARMM Regional Governor are hereby
directed to:
1. Cause the immediate and widest dissemination of this Memorandum Circular
within their regional jurisdictions;
2. Ensure that this Issuance is effectively communicated to concerned local
authorities;
3. Review the completeness of administrative requirements before endorsing
any request for a Travel Authorization subject to the approval of the
Secretary;
4. Consolidate the LG Monthly Reports, for submission to, through the Director,
Bureau of Local Government Supervision, the Office of the Secretary, on or
before the 15th day of the succeeding month, using the herein attached
prescribed format (Annex A) at Telefax No. 928-9181 or e-mail address at
lad_blgs@yahoo.com; and
5. Exercise administrative oversight pursuant to Memorandum dated April 1,
2008, on the subject, Exercise of General Supervision over Local Government
Units.
XIV. Responsibilities of the Local Chief Executive
1. Submit a monthly report to, through the Provincial Director, or City Director, or
CLGOO or MLGOO, as applicable, the DILG Regional Director, of the
approvals issued by the Local Chief Executive, on or before the 10th day of

the succeeding month, using the herein attached prescribed format (Annex
B); and
2. Ensure that the provisions of this Memorandum Circular are strictly observed.
XV. Repealing Clause
All DILG Issuances which are inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are
hereby amended or repealed accordingly.
Any future reference with respect to Department Issuances in relation to foreign
travels shall be made in reference to this Memorandum Circular.
XVI. Effectivity
This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

JESSE M. ROBREDO
Secretary

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A.Francisco Gold Condominium II
EDSA Cor. Mapagmahal St., Diliman
Quezon City

BUREAU OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPERVISION

November 22, 2011
FOR

SECRETARY JESSE M. ROBREDO

THRU

USEC AUSTERE A. PANADERO

FROM

ASEC ROLANDO M. ACOSTA, CESO II

Concurrent In-Charge, BLGS

SUBJECT

DRAFT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR ON FOREIGN TRAVELS OF LOCAL

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES

Reference
Per instruction from the SILG
Action Requested
For information of the SILG on the herein attached draft Memorandum Circular
Associated Information
The draft MC amends the existing rules and regulations on foreign travel of local
government officials and employees embodied in DILG MC Nos. 2006-163, 2006-22 and
2011-52. The proposed MC includes the following salient provisions, which are
highlighted in the draft MC, for ease of reference:
1. Inclusion of local government officials, elective or appointive, and
employees, including those in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao;
2. Inclusion of Study Cum Observation Tour undertaking of LGUs organized by
national government agencies, under the category of non-study trip that
warrants the use of public funds;
3. Inclusion of attendance to a gathering of an organized association of
Filipinos abroad or commemoration of a special event or festival celebration,
social visit and the like to the category of personal or private trip;
4. Amendment of approving officials (the SILG and Local Chief Executives)
depending on the nature of travel and position of local government official
or employee;

5. Limiting the number of delegates to a maximum duration of ten (10) days

and a maximum of five (5) member-delegation, in the case of a trip relating
to a sister city or twinning relationship;
6. Limiting the number of delegates to a maximum of five (5) and maximum
duration of the trip of three (3) days, in the case of a trip relating to trade and
investment mission, tourism promotion, study tour such as on environment
and agriculture, organized by the national government agencies;
7. Limitation of Travel of LCE which shall not exceed fourteen (14) cumulative
days in a year; and
8. New provisions on Recall of Authority, and COA Liquidation Requirement
The first draft MC was posted on the DILG Website from July 8 to 15, 2011 with no
comment or feedback received. Copy of a Certification to this effect, is hereto
attached, signed by Director Maria Elena M. Robosa, EDPS, this Department.
This is a third draft of the MC, with the inclusion of comments from Undersecretary
for LG and from the Legal Service of this Department (copy attached of the comments
from the Legal Service). Same also will be posted to the DILG Website for comments
from the DILG Field Offices.

Annex A
Regional Report Form
SUMMARY OF LOCAL OFFICIALS
WITH APPROVED FOREIGN TRAVEL
Report for the Month of __________
LGU
(1)

NAME
(2)

POSITION
(3)

DESTINATION
(4)

DURATION
OF THE
TRIP
(5)

NATURE
OF
TRAVEL
(6)

PURPOSE
(7)

ENTITLEMENT,
IF ANY
(8)

Prepared by:

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE

CONTENTS AND HEREBY ATTEST to the veracity or
correctness of the data or information contained
in this Report.

________________________
DILG Regional Staff

_________________________
Regional Director/DILG-ARMM Secretary

Date :

____________

____________

Instructions:
1. Indicate the host country or sponsoring agency and organizer of the event, seminars,
training, workshop or forum attended under Column (7), Purpose.
2. To be accomplished by the Regional Staff concerned, to be certified correct by the
Regional Director.
3. To be submitted to BLGS on or before every 15th of the succeeding month at Telefax 9289181 or e-mail address at lad_blgs@yahoo.com.

Annex B
LGU Report Form
SUMMARY OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
WITH APPROVED FOREIGN TRAVEL
Report for the Month of __________
LGU
(1)

NAME
(2)

POSITION
(3)

DESTINATION
(4)

DURATION
OF THE
TRIP
(5)

NATURE
OF
TRAVEL
(6)

PURPOSE
(7)

ENTITLEMENT,
IF ANY
(8)

Prepared by:

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE

CONTENTS AND HEREBY ATTEST to the veracity or
correctness of the data or information contained
in this Report.

________________________
Human Resource Devt. Officer

_________________________
Local Chief Executive

Date :

____________

____________

Instructions:
4. Indicate the host country or sponsoring agency and organizer of the event, seminars,
training, workshop or forum attended under Column (7), Purpose.
5. To be accomplished by the HRD Officer concerned, to be certified correct by the Local
Chief Executive.
6. To be submitted to DILG Field Office concerned on or before every 10th of the succeeding
month.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A.Francisco Gold Condominium II
EDSA Cor. Mapagmahal St., Diliman
Quezon City

BUREAU OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPERVISION

November 23, 2011
TO

DIRECTOR MARIA ELENA M. ROBOSA

Electronic Data Processing Service

FROM

ASEC ROLANDO M. ACOSTA, CESO II

Concurrent In-Charge, BLGS

SUBJECT

DRAFT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR ON FOREIGN TRAVELS OF LOCAL

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES

Reference
Draft Memorandum Circular on Foreign Travel for Local Government Officials
and Employees
Action Requested
For posting on the DILG Website for comment of the DILG Field Offices
Associated Information

The draft MC amends the existing rules and regulations on foreign travel of local
government officials and employees embodied in DILG MC Nos. 2006-163, 2006-22
and 2011-52.
Said proposed MC was already send thru your e-mail address at
mmrobosa@dilg.gov.ph.