SPECIAL REPORT: Digital challenges facing barangays today. Despite appearances of outdated barangay halls with plastic chairs and manual logbooks, a quiet digital shift is underway in the Philippines. Local government units (LGUs) and barangays are embracing digital transformation, driven by national efforts from agencies like the DILG and DICT. Cloud platforms, digital mapping, and mobile dashboards are already improving services in cities like Quezon, Iloilo, and Marikina—cutting red tape, boosting transparency, and enhancing emergency response. However, major challenges remain: limited technical staff, outdated infrastructure, and cultural resistance to change. Many officials still equate digitalization with social media or fear it will reveal inefficiencies. While funding exists, implementation lags due to lack of training and institutional support. Still, citizen expectations are evolving—they now demand faster, mobile-friendly services. For true progress, digital tools must be tailored to barangay realities, with ongoing training and practical support. Modern governance must begin at the grassroots—where people live, transact, and expect their government to keep up. (PHOTO CREDIT: pccm.edu.ph)
P10 million allocated for every barangay in the 2026 Barangay Development Program. The NTF-ELCAC is advocating for Congressional approval of the full ₱8.1 billion proposed for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) in the 2026 NEP. This program allocates ₱10 million to each of 808 barangays cleared of communist influence, funding essential services like roads, schools and healthcare. NTF-ELCAC stresses that this investment is crucial for integrating former conflict zones and fostering lasting peace. They highlight that previous budget cuts have hindered the program's impact and urge Congress to protect this investment to ensure genuine opportunity and progress in these communities.
SSS e-barangay centers roll-out in Bulacan barangays. The SSS has established "e-barangay" centers in at least 38 barangays across Bulacan, aiming to improve service accessibility for residents, especially senior citizens and the indigent. The Offsite E-Centers Online Services Training (BOOST) Program equips barangay personnel with the knowledge to assist members with online SSS services, including loan and benefit applications, disbursement account enrollment, and employment record access. SSS plans to expand the program to more barangays in Bulacan. Partner barangays receive a service fee per transaction, boosting local revenue.
NCRPO Chief sees barangays as frontliners in the anti-illegal drug campaign. The NCRPO, led by Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, is prioritizing barangays in its anti-illegal drug campaign, following PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III's directive. The NCRPO views Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) as crucial in preventing drug spread and aiding rehabilitation. From August 1-15, the NCRPO conducted 429 operations, arresting 603 suspects and seizing drugs worth ₱18.5 million. Aberin stresses a strategy combining enforcement with community rehabilitation. The NCRPO aims to transform barangays into safe havens, measuring success by safer streets, restored trust, and lives recovered from addiction.
Baguio City barangay officials urged to stay committed to serving their communities. ABC president Councilor Rocky Aliping and SK Federation president Councilor John Rey Mananeng urged barangay and SK officials to stay committed to serving their communities despite the extension of their terms under Republic Act No. 12232, which moved the Barangay and SK Elections to November 2026. Aliping emphasized that performance, not tenure, determines re-election, while Mananeng voiced concern over inactive SK councils in many villages, affecting youth initiatives and fund utilization. He stressed the need to address youth issues like mental health and online gambling. Both leaders highlighted the essential role of barangays in disaster response and implementing government programs.
Barangays now pick-up points for motorcycle plates in Lapu-Lapu City. Motorcycle plates in Lapu-Lapu City will be available for claiming in respective barangays starting Monday, August 18, 2025, as announced by Mayor Cindi King-Chan in coordination with LTO-7. Barangay captains will release specific schedules. The three-day process includes collecting requirements on the first day, document verification on the second, and plate and certification release on the third. Residents are advised to follow the official LTO-7 Facebook page for updates. Meanwhile, plates for motorcycles registered from 2018 onwards will be released at the LTO-New Registration Unit in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Bacolod mayor sees the strategic role of barangays in solving the city’s garbage problems. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya urged barangay officials to help address the city’s garbage problem, which worsens flooding due to clogged waterways. In a meeting with barangay and SK leaders on August 21, 2025, he cited the removal of 60 tons of waste from key areas and stressed the need for cooperation. He introduced a revised waste collection route and pledged support for barangay waste-reduction initiatives and enforcement of the Anti-Littering Ordinance. Officials raised concerns about delayed fund liquidation. DILG-Bacolod also reminded barangays of their duties under the Kalinisan Program and road-clearing responsibilities to improve solid waste management.
16 barangays in Central Visayas declared drug-cleared. Sixteen barangays in Central Visayas were declared drug-cleared on August 18 after passing evaluation by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC). These include six barangays from Cebu Province, eight from Bohol, and two from Cebu City. The deliberation, held at Quest Hotel in Cebu City, was led by PDEA-7 and joined by DILG-7, DOH-7, and PRO-7. Barangay officials presented their anti-drug efforts, which included accounting for drug personalities, running intervention programs, and maintaining active Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs). The region now has 1,603 drug-cleared barangays, with both drug-cleared and drug-free statuses requiring yearly validation.
Three Iloilo City barangays launching sites of DOH health programs. The Iloilo City government launched the Department of Health's "PuroKalusugan" program in three Arevalo district barangays to bring health services to the grassroots level. This community-based initiative focuses on preventive care and addresses eight priority areas, including nutrition, maternal and child health, and sanitation. Around 200 residents benefited from services like immunization, teenage pregnancy counseling, and nutrition advice. The program, designed to complement existing health measures, aims to provide convenient access to medical consultations and encourage community participation. During the ceremony, stakeholders also signed a commitment to champion the inclusive, accessible and community-based initiative.
Proper training of barangay waste segregators pushed by Negros Occidental mayor. Mayor Añejo Nicor of La Castellana, Negros Occidental initiated a training on efficient and safe waste handling for barangay waste segregators at La Blanca Resort in Barangay Masulog. The program aims to protect the health of the workers and their families by promoting safe practices in waste segregation. Mayor Nicor emphasized the importance of safeguarding both the segregators and the people they interact with daily. He was joined by SB member Nel John Labesores, MENRO officer Jert Tamon, Engr. JocyMar Vitorino, Punong Barangays, and representatives from DENR-EMB in supporting this environmental and public health initiative.
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