The department of the interior and local government (dilg) is proposing a reorganization of the region 4b (mimaropa) setup to make government response faster and more practical for island provinces:he Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is proposing a reorganization of the Region 4B (Mimaropa) setup to make government response faster and more practical for island provinces, Secretary Jonvic Remulla told senators Thursday. Remulla raised the proposal during the Senate Finance Subcommittee J hearing after Sen. Erwin Tulfo asked if the Philippine National Police (PNP) could provide sea transport for the Mimaropa regional director, who has to cover Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla expressed the need to reform the Region 4B system, citing challenges faced by regional directors and agencies due to the current setup. He highlighted that many regional offices are not based in Calapan City, the regional center, making it difficult for them to operate effectively. Remulla indicated that the DILG Region 4B office is situated in Quezon City, while other offices are located outside Calapan.

Remulla proposed restructuring Region 4B into different command centers to enhance government functions. Under this proposal, Cavite and Palawan would form one subregion; Batangas and Mindoro another; Laguna and Rizal another; and Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon another cluster. This arrangement aims to align government operations with geography, travel time, and service delivery.

Sen. Tulfo highlighted the difficulties faced by the PNP Mimaropa regional director in accessing island provinces, often requiring travel through Manila. He suggested acquiring sea transport for direct inspection of island provinces. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. acknowledged that acquiring vehicles and watercraft is part of the police procurement program, but Remulla emphasized the need for a broader structural solution.

Remulla stated that the DILG plans to submit the proposed reorganization to the Senate within the year, hoping for legislative support to implement the changes.