Barangay News & Events Nationwide (August 25-31,2025)

 

Liga ng mga Barangay seeks Supreme Court intervention on plea against postponement of barangay elections. The Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas has petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene and oppose an earlier plea challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act 12232, which postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from December 1, 2025, to November 2026. In a 35-page filing, the Liga urged the Court to dismiss the petition, calling it without merit. The original petition, filed by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, seeks to invalidate the law or its provision on the election postponement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed the measure into law, prompting the ongoing legal challenge. (PHOTO CREDIT: GMA News Online)

Proposed bill to connect 19,000 barangays to the internet nationwide lapsed into law. The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, now officially the Konektadong Pinoy Act, became law on August 24, 2025, after lapsing without President Marcos Jr.'s signature. Aimed at connecting over 19,000 unserved barangays, the law promotes internet access by expediting licensing, encouraging infrastructure sharing, and allowing new players into the market without needing a legislative franchise. Also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, it seeks to foster competition among internet service providers. However, critics like CitizenWatch Philippines warn the law lacks safeguards against data breaches and foreign interference, potentially risking national security and weakening consumer protections in the digital space.

Major seaweed farms in Leyte barangays site of seaweed industry revival. Leyte’s seaweed industry Leyte’s seaweed industry is poised for revival through scientific interventions addressing declining yields caused by global warming. Led by Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and supported by national agencies and universities, the province is deploying biosensors in major seaweed farms, starting in Barangay Dawahon, Bato. These devices monitor key factors like salinity, temperature, pH, and detect early disease signs, helping farmers make informed decisions for better yields. Leyte cultivates three main seaweed varieties marketed in Tacloban and Cebu. With global demand for carrageenan rising, officials believe this tech-driven approach will restore competitiveness and sustain livelihoods for hundreds of coastal families.

Palawan governor honors BHWs for the delivery of primary healthcare in the province. Governor Amy Alvarez pledged to raise incentives and strengthen support for barangay health workers (BHWs) in Palawan before her term ends. Speaking at the 1st BHW South Cluster Convention on August 22 in Puerto Princesa, she thanked over 2,000 BHWs for their service and promised medical kits to aid their work. Alvarez emphasized the crucial role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare and reaffirmed her administration’s focus on health, education, and grassroots programs. The event was organized by the Provincial BHW Federation and the Provincial Health Office, with national and local officials in attendance, including BHW leaders who praised the collective efforts.

House Bill to enhance benefits for BHWs filed by Pampanga Representative. Pampanga Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. filed House Bill No. 3710 on August 13, 2025, to enhance benefits for barangay health workers (BHWs). The bill proposes a minimum monthly honorarium of ₱3,000 and additional incentives, including hazard pay, allowances, insurance, health benefits, and retirement incentives. Lazatin emphasized BHWs’ vital role in grassroots healthcare and their need for proper support. As former Angeles City mayor, he previously increased BHW honoraria and granted benefits. He also plans to request ₱40 million to rehabilitate rural health units in Mabalacat City and Magalang. The initiative aligns with DOH standards and long-term healthcare infrastructure goals.

Free dialysis available soon in two Cebu City barangays. Cebu City is launching two new dialysis centers in Barangays Talamban and Guadalupe to offer free treatment to kidney disease patients. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on August 29 between the city, barangay officials, and JL Dialmed Trading Co., which will install the machines. Renovations will be completed by month-end. This initiative supports Mayor Nestor Archival’s goal of “zero billing” for indigent patients, covering costs beyond PhilHealth support. The Cebu City Medical Center’s completion is key to this plan. The project aligns with national and provincial efforts to expand free dialysis services and ease the financial burden on poor families.

Newly-built Super Health Center in Cebu City Barangay remains non-operational due to lack of DOH permit.  Nearly four months after its turnover, the ₱9.9-million Super Health Center (SHC) in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City remains non-operational due to the lack of a Department of Health (DOH) permit. Mayor Nestor Archival announced efforts to assist barangay officials in securing the necessary clearance. Once operational, the SHC will offer primary care, dental services, birthing, minor surgery, laboratory, and mental health support. It aims to serve not just Labangon but also nearby barangays, easing hospital congestion. Part of the national Super Health Center program, it follows the Apas SHC and precedes another facility planned in Basak San Nicolas.

All barangays in Samal Island were ordered to remove hazardous cables in public areas. Following the electrocution of two students—one fatally—at Mambago-B National High School on August 19, 2025, the local government of Samal Island launched a crackdown on hazardous, dangling wires. Mayor Lemuel Reyes issued an order on August 27 mandating inspections, reporting, and removal of unsafe cables across all barangays. The incident was traced to a telecommunications wire that made contact with a live streetlight line, causing a fatal grounding. Utility and internet providers are now required to ensure proper cable installation and vertical clearance. Face-to-face classes at the school resumed after passing safety inspections. NORDECO denied ownership of the wire involved.

Former conflict-prone barangay in Agusan Del Sur received aid from various sectors. On August 19, the Caraga RTF-ELCAC and Department of Energy (DOE) distributed solar LED lanterns, rechargeable flashlights, and radios to Barangay San Mariano, Loreto, Agusan del Sur under the DOE’s PASIGA Project. Aimed at aiding former rebels and disaster-affected households, the project promotes peace and development in conflict-prone areas. Beneficiary Julito Bugto thanked the agencies for their support. Other government offices also gave aid: DILG provided books and footwear, DENR gave fruit tree seedlings, DA distributed vegetable seeds, and OCD added more lanterns. The initiative reflects a whole-of-nation approach to delivering services and fostering lasting peace in remote communities.

Balik-Barangay Program winning back thousands of conflict-displaced families to return to their barangays. In Patikul, Sulu—a region long plagued by armed conflict—local leaders, civil society, and government agencies signed a historic charter for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Once a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Patikul is now declared ASG-free, marking a major step toward peace. The charter, developed through community participation, focuses on rebuilding barangays, restoring services, and promoting inclusive governance. Over 7,600 displaced families are returning home through the Balik-Barangay Program. Supported by the PROSPER project and the Australian Embassy, the initiative emphasizes healing, resilience, and addressing root causes of violence. Regular reviews will ensure accountability and community-led progress.

Barangay News & Events Nationwide (Aug.18 to 24, 2025)

 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.