Water facility of remote South Cotabato barangay now energized by One Meralco Foundation

Photo Credit - Daily Tribune

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has energized the water system of an underserved community in South Cotabato that has long faced challenges with access to clean and reliable water.

The initiative, which is part of OMF’s Water Electrification Program that entails provision of solar photovoltaic (PV) system to improve water security in local communities, benefited residents of Barangay Guinsang-an which is comprised of farmers who had been sourcing their water through deep wells.

While the barangay officials institutionalized Barangay Water System Association (BAWASA) to provide tap water to residents, it was still a struggle for the households – which are mostly low income – to afford their share in paying electricity bills. In addition, water supply still gets cut when power outages occur, which is an added challenge for the community according to barangay kagawad and BAWASA Administrator Cris Valencia. READ MORE

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Pangasinan health workers provided with livelihood opportunities. To empower barangay health workers, IFern Philippines has offered free livelihood opportunities through the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List during the launching of the program in Barangay Palaming, San Carlos, Pangasinan on Jan. 25, 2025.

The program aimed to empower health workers by providing them with livelihood opportunities from IFern Philippines and solidifying a partnership that underscores the organization's commitment to public service through the initiative of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a memorandum of agreement by Brian Poe Llamanzares, first nominee of the party-list, IFern Philippines and the Barangay Health Workers Federation of Pangasinan. READ MORE

Dolphins trapped, released in Negros Oriental barangay. Two dolphins were found dead, trapped in a mangrove area in Sitio Pambutan, Barangay Canlargo, Bais City, Negros Oriental, following a reported mass stranding on Sunday.

A third dead dolphin remained unrecovered while three others were rescued and treated for injuries, according to Col. Roland Desiree Lavisto, Bais City police chief.

Lavisto told the Philippine News Agency that retrieval efforts for the third dolphin were halted due to rising tides but will resume once weather conditions become favorable. READ MORE

Butuan City barangay tanods receive incentives from DILG. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Butuan City, in partnership with the City Government of Butuan, successfully distributed the incentives for the Peace and Order Funds to its barangay tanods.

A total of P7.29-million from the Peace and Order Fund was allocated, benefiting 1,275 barangay tanods from 86 barangays.

 The release and distribution was organized into four clusters, earlier December 26 to 30, respectively, prioritizing order and efficiency. READ MORE

Bacolod City barangays told to adopt digitalization. The city government directed all 61 barangays here to adopt digitalization by implementing online processing of transactions particularly business permit applications.

This comes after the positive feedbacks from the business community received by the city’s ongoing business one-stop-shop (BOSS) at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).

“I received feedbacks from businessmen that due to the BOSS, processing for the renewal and new registration of business permits becomes easier,” said Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. “That is why I also want all barangays here to go ‘online’. READ MORE

House approves six-year term of office for barangay officials. The House of Representatives on Tuesday night approved on second reading Speaker Martin Romualdez’s bill that sets a six-year term of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from the present three years. 

Through voice voting, lawmakers approved House Bill No. 11287, which the Speaker filed to ensure the continuity of projects at the barangay and SK levels and protect officials from politicking.

 A transitory provision in the bill allows all incumbent barangay and youth officials elected last October 30, 2023 to remain in office until the next elections in May 2029, unless they are legally removed or suspended. READ MORE

Talisay City barangay hosts 2025 'Pooc Bankaton' boat race. A total of P180,000 in cash prize is up for grabs in the 2025 edition of the “Pooc Bankaton” slated on February 21 in Barangay Pooc, Talisay City.

Supported by the city government of Talisay headed by mayor Samsam Gullas, the ‘Bankaton’ is an exciting boat race featuring high-speed outrigger canoes locally known as pump boats fitted with powerful engines that can produce 22 horsepower and reach a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour.

The champion will go home P100,000 richer, while the second and third placers will pocket P50,000 and P30,000, respectively. READ MORE

122 Kalinga barangays to receive P1.2-Million each from DSWD Kalinga program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-CAR, through its field office in Kalinga, conducted an orientation for the third cycle implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services- Community Driven Development (KC-CDD).

The orientation aimed to re-orient the local government, including the barangay officials and the civil society organizations, on the program’s principles and approaches. An emphasis will be given to the improvements in the implementation process and the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder.

As one of the KC-CDD areas, 22 barangays of Tabuk City will be implementing the cycle 3 community subprojects with a total amount of PhP27 million. Each of the 22 barangays will receive a PhP1.2M-fund for the subprojects that include farm-to-market roads, daycare centers, and electricity and water systems, among others. READ MORE

Voter surge in Cagayan de Oro barangay exploded - now the highest in the country. The voter roll in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City’s largest barangay, barely moved between the 2022 national and local elections and the 2023 barangay and youth polls, rising by just 3%. A minor shift.

But months later, the numbers told a different story.

In 2024, voter registration in Carmen — Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy’s longtime political stronghold — didn’t just rise. It exploded. READ MORE

Cebu City plans to give waste management incentives to barangays. To lessen the volume of garbage disposal to the landfill, the Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) of Cebu City is pushing to incentivize barangays with the highest diversion rates from the landfill. It also plans to revive the “No segregation, no collection” policy as part of the City’s waste diversion program.

SWMB chairperson Emma Ramas told SunStar Cebu on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, that since 50 percent of the city’s total waste is biodegradable, the City Government could have saved around P323 million if a waste diversion program were implemented in every barangay.

Ramas explained that in 2023, a total of 196,000 tons of garbage was disposed of in the landfill, averaging 536 tons per day. In 2024, as Ramas recalled, there was an increase to 585 tons per day seen in July. READ MORE

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Over 100 sea turtle hatchlings released in Cavite barangay

Photo Credit: Rappler

The Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patroller (SLPP) on Saturday, January 25, released 157 newly hatched pawikan hatchlings to the shore of Barangay Labac in Naic town here. 

The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle hatchlings have been cared for by SLPP at the Labac Conservatory Facility, located on the banks of Barangay Labac, since December 2024.

“We, the volunteers Pawikan Patrollers, observe the shore of Labac, day and night to monitor the laying of Pawikan eggs during their breeding season to wrap the eggs so that dogs don’t eat them and to take care of them until they hatch,” said former Barangay Labac captain Roger Bilugan. READ MORE

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Cebu City barangay wants to revoke environmental certificate of desalination plant. The barangay council of Mambaling, Cebu City has pushed for the revocation of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of a desalination plant due to residents’ complaints about disrupted local water pump operations.

Barangay Secretary Kimberly Ross Tabalin revealed during the Cebu City Council’s executive session on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, that the operations of the plant, run by Pilipinas Water Resources Inc. (PWRI), caused some water pumps in Mambaling and nearby barangays Basak-San Nicolas and Duljo Fatima to cease supplying water.

Residents from five sitios in Mambaling, who rely on the pumps, filed complaints, prompting the barangay council to recommend revoking PWRI’s ECC in December 2024. Issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), an ECC certifies that a project or activity has undergone a thorough review to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. READ MORE

Barangay Badiang in Antique hosts site of P960 million capitol building. The construction of the P960-million three-story capitol building of the provincial government of Antique is in full swing and is targeted for completion in September this year. 

Provincial Engineer Inocencio Dajao Jr. said yesterday that the project in Barangay Badiang, San Jose de Buenavista has a 30 percent accomplishment rate with a minimal slippage of 5 percent due to inclement weather. 

“The target for the completion of the capitol is September 2025 with the building of the foundation, embankment, and structural steel already done,” he said. READ MORE

Tribal community given housing in Surigao City barangay. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has turned over five quadruplex houses to 20 families from the Sama-Badjao community in Surigao City.

In a news release Wednesday, the DHSUD said the housing is part of the Huy-anan sa Badjao Project, a collaborative effort among the agency, the Surigao City government and the United Nations (UN) - Habitat.

DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap said the housing project, located at Sitio Panubigon in the coastal community of Barangay Lipata, has a “deeper significance” to the beneficiaries. READ MORE

Bacolod City suspends demolition of residential houses in Barangay 12. The 22 informal settler families (ISFs) in Barangay 12 here can breathe easier following the suspension of the scheduled demolition on January 28 of the residential structures behind the Manokan Country.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez yesterday granted the request of Barangay 12 captain Ely Alcantara Jr. to hold off the demolition for one month.

Alcantara said the mayor agreed to reschedule the demolition on February 28, however the ISFs should submit a formal letter to the Office of the Mayor. READ MORE

P5-million school building opens in Kalinga barangay. A new ₱5-million school building was recently inaugurated at Lacnog Integrated School in Barangay Lacnog, providing a significant boost to  education in the community.

The 7×9-meter facility, which has two classrooms, was constructed especially for Grades 1 and 2 pupils to meet the increasing demand for better learning environments. The Schools Division Office (SDO)-Tabuk City led the project, which was funded by the Department of  Education through the initiative of Kalinga Congress representative (Rep.) Allen Jesse Mangaoang. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) carried out the construction of the project, guaranteeing adherence to stringent safety and quality standards.

The cooperation of numerous stakeholders, including the school administration, and private partners, made this accomplishment possible. READ MORE 

Barangays in Antique assured of nutritious food supply. Beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom (Zero Hunger) program from this capital town of Antique are assured of nutritious food for the next three years under the government’s zero hunger initiative. 

A food redemption activity was held for 279 recipients on Tuesday at the gymnasium of Barangay II. 

The beneficiaries, using their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, purchased food supplies, such as rice, chicken, eggs, vegetables, and cooking oil, from an accredited store. READ MORE

Ambulance-sharing system eyed for Bacolod barangays. The City Government of Bacolod is planning to implement a clusterized ambulance system across the barangays, according to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who shared the details on Friday, January 24.

"Given the limited number of ambulances available for the barangays, we will be implementing a clustering system to ensure that each group of barangays has access to an ambulance in case of an emergency. This will be a shared ambulance system," Benitez explained.

On Wednesday, January 22, the city received a new ambulance from the national government through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). READ MORE

San Fernando City barangay residents grateful for road upgrading. Residents of Barangay San Nicolas in this city are grateful for the works set to improve and upgrade their barangay road.

Located at Sitio Bulusan, the road project’s groundbreaking ceremony was led by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Board Member Ananias Canlas Jr., and former Board Member and Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

A total of ₱3,980,566.14 has been allocated for the project, which is expected to be completed by May. READ MORE

Capabilities in barangay governance of Malaybalay City indigenous people enhanced. An extension project of the Bukidnon State University (BukSU) has enhanced the legislative capabilities of Malaybalay City’s Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), a project officer said.

The College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG)-initiated project was done in collaboration with the City Government of Malaybalay, through the Office of the City IPMR, and the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Mark Lyster Semortin, a CPAG faculty member and acting project leader, said majority of the 46 barangay IPMRs have experienced skills enhancement in their legislative roles especially in preparing ordinances and resolutions, based on an ongoing impact assessment and outcome harvesting study. READ MORE

SPECIAL REPORT: Sari-sari stores, lifeblood of every barangay neighborhood

 

PHOTO CREDIT: PhilStar Global

MANILA, Philippines — In every thriving Filipino barangay, one of the clearest signs of a vibrant community is the presence of a sari-sari store. 

The humble, yet indispensable sari-sari stores serve as the lifeblood of neighborhoods, providing easy access to daily essentials, a place for quick conversations and most importantly, a livelihood for millions of Filipino families.

In a country with over one million sari-sari stores, it can’t be denied that these stores are deeply embedded in Filipino communities, acting as both economic and social hubs. They provide a wide range of products, from household essentials to quick snacks, catering to the daily needs of their neighbors. READ MORE 

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Business registration in Antique barangays reduced to just 3 steps. – The streamlined steps adopted by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) have enticed barangay-based businesses to apply for their licenses.

“We have adopted only three steps for the business permit application to encourage more business owners to apply for their mayor’s permit,” San Jose de Buenavista BPLO head Elsie Elizalde said in an interview on Friday.

The three steps are registration, assessment and payment, and issuance of mayor’s permit. READ MORE

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North Central Luzon barangays requesting for security assistance. https://youtu.be/guQJIi6K0zA Video Credit:  GMA Regional TV

Malabon City launches 'Search for Cleanest Barangay 2025'. In a bid to promote cleanliness and the spirit of "bayanihan" (communal cooperation) all over Malabon, the city government has launched the "Search for the Cleanest Barangay 2025."

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, interviewed by The Manila Times via Viber on Friday, emphasized that no amount of any competition or contest can make up for a clean and green surrounding as this should be the shared responsibility of the local government and its constituents.

But she was more hopeful that with the launching of the event, all stakeholders would be more motivated and inspired to do their share in keeping their surroundings clean and green. READ MORE

Bangsamoro Parliament reviewing proposed barangay-centric gender equality code. The Bangsamoro Parliament is reviewing a proposed Gender and Development (GAD) code to strengthen gender-responsive programs across the region, focusing on grassroots implementation.

A recent public hearing by the parliament’s Committee on Women, Youth, Children, and Persons with Disabilities in Basilan highlighted calls for a barangay-centered approach to integrating gender equality initiatives.

Local leaders pointed out the need for grassroots involvement to advance equality effectively. READ MORE

Over 27,000 families in 27 barangays affected by Kanlaon volcano's continuing unrest. The amount of assistance provided by the national government and its local counterparts to families affected by the restiveness of Mt. Kanlaon has reached PHP172.1 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its latest situational report as of Thursday, the NDRRMC said the amount is divided into PHP109.9 million for Central Visayas and PHP62.2 million for Western Visayas.

A total of 10,032 families benefited from this aid – 7,551 families in Western Visayas and 2,481 families in Central Visayas. READ MORE

Up to 912 voter applicants summoned in Lanao Del Sur barangay. The Municipal Circuit Trial Court has summoned up to 912 voter applicants in Barangay Linuc, Pualas, Lanao del Sur over flying voter allegations.

The court issued a subpoena for the applicants during the third hearing of the petition filed by a mayoral candidate in Pualas to exclude several alleged flying voters from Barangay Linuc.

However, the barangay treasurer can reportedly attest that those individuals summoned by the court are residents of the barangay. READ MORE 

Senate approves 4-year term for barangay officials. The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill that would implement a four-year term for barangay officials and Sanggunian Kabataan Members (SK) members.  

Sen. Bong Go, a co-author of Senate Bill (SB) 2816, strongly supported the legislation, highlighting its potential to bring stability and continuity to local governance.

SB 2816 proposes that the terms of barangay and SK officials be four years while limiting them to three consecutive terms. It also ensures that the next regular elections for these officials will be held in October 2027, with subsequent elections scheduled every four years. READ MORE

Challenges to barangay-level compliance to the Kasambahay Law still persist. DOLE and DILG acknowledged that despite collaborative efforts by public and private stakeholders, challenges persist in ensuring full compliance and addressing gaps in barangay-level registration.

Lawyer Michael John Borja of the DILG emphasized the need for barangay kasambahay desk officers to keep updated records and for employers to submit registration forms.

“Employers must submit registration forms and employment contracts to their barangay’s kasambahay desk officers. However, compliance has been low, and we need to intensify coordination with barangay officials,” and homeowners’ associations to promote better implementation of the law. READ MORE 

ASF-affected barangays slowed down from 225 to 133. The number of barangays that remained affected by African swine fever (ASF) has decreased to 133 from 225 preiously, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Despite the decline in the number of ASF cases and adequate supply of imported frozen pork in local markets, the BAI said the retail price of pork remained high.

As of Jan. 10, data from the BAI showed a decrease of 59 percent in the number of ASF cases recorded in eight regions, 11 provinces and 35 municipalities. READ MORE

SPECIAL REPORT: Study shows the least available equipment in the barangays nationwide

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Philstar

Pasteurizers and rubber sheeters were among the least available equipment in barangays as of 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In a census report posted on Saturday, the PSA said that only 511 barangays own pasteurizers, which are used in milk and juice processing, while only 541 barangays own rubber sheeters.

The 2022 Census of Agricultural and Fisheries Availability of Agricultural, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Machinery, Equipment, and Services in Barangays also revealed that threshers are the most available piece of equipment in barangays. READ MORE

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Underserved Negros Occidental barangays get electricity. Negros Power has electrified three underserved communities in Negros Occidental, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to improving lives in remote areas.

On 17 December, residents of Sitio Bocboc, Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City, celebrated as 20 out of 35 households were connected to the power grid. The event, attended by local government officials and Negros Power representatives, was marked with cheers despite inclement weather.

The initiative continued on 20 December in Purok 8, Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, where 37 out of 64 households were energized. The event highlighted the company’s dedication to providing electricity to underserved areas, with Bacolod City officials and barangay leaders in attendance. READ MORE

A Bohol barangay declared as ASF infected zone. The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has ramped up efforts to contain African Swine Fever (ASF) in Poblacion Norte, Batuan, following its declaration as an infected zone of the said virus.

With the outbreak, Executive Order No. 61, Series of 2024 was issued by Acting Governor Tita Baja on December 23, formally declaring the barangay an ASF-infected zone.

In a letter sent by Dr. Meydalyn Paman, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, to Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, updates on ASF containment activities in Batuan outlined the comprehensive measures being undertaken. READ MORE

'Chinese' underwater drone found near the coast of a Masbate barangay. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is investigating the "origin and purpose" of an underwater drone with Chinese markings discovered in the country's sovereign waters off Masbate earlier this week.

Three fishermen found the device near the coast of Barangay Three fishermen found the device near the coast of Barangay Iniwaran in San Pascual, Masbate, about nine kilometers from the town proper, on December 30. They immediately turned it over to barangay officials, who alerted the municipal police.

The six-foot drone, made of PVC and metal and marked "HY-119," was reportedly deactivated when discovered. Philippine National Police Regional Office 5 Director General PBGen. Andre Dizon said investigators suspect it is a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system, based on its appearance. READ MORE

Bulacan mayor attends Tanod training. San Jose del Monte City Mayor Arthur Robes has graced the training of the barangay watchmen in Distdrict 2.

The activity was held at the City Convention Center on January 2, with the speakers from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and City Police Station.

Naging katuwang natin sa pagbabahagi ng kaalaman sa mga barangay tanod ang City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office at San Jose Del Monte - City Police Station upang masiguro ang kahandaan ng mga nagsisisilbing tagayapa sa bawat barangay sa lungsod," Robes said. READ MORE

Cebu ABC asks Omdbudsman to investigate AKAP payout irregularities.  The Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Daanbantayan has urged the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation on the alleged irregular implementation of the financial assistance for low-income earners in the northern Cebu municipality.  

In a resolution, the ABC accused that the individuals involved in the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were “untrained social workers” and “political organizers” from the office of Rep. Janice Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th District).  

Resolution 03-2024, passed on Dec. 2, 2024, states that Akap, implemented across 20 barangays in Daanbantayan, bypassed mandated local government processes. READ MORE

Flood control structure boosts livelihood of Marinduque barangay residents. Riverside residents in Barangay Bamban, Boac, Marinduque have seen substantial improvement in their daily activities following the completion of a flood control structure by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that aims to alleviate the severe impact of recurring flooding in the community.

In a report to Secretary Manuel Bonoan, DPWH Region 4-B (Mimaropa) Director Gerald Pacanan said the completed protection structure was expected to significantly help in augmenting the livelihood activities in the village, primarily in farming, which is the primary source of income in the area.

“The flood mitigation project is a comprehensive measure in reinforcing disaster resiliency while assuring residents their safety and security against flooding that has been causing serious damage to properties, livestock and crops for many years,” Pacanan said in a media release on Wednesday. READ MORE

Lanao Del Norte mayor suspended for raps filed by barangay chair. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Lanao del Norte has imposed an 90-day preventive suspension on Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado for alleged grave abuse of authority and grave misconduct.

Lawyer Eleuterio Obial Jr., a member of the SP, confirmed that the suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by Bagumbayan Barangay Chair Maria Luisa Ramos, who accused Arnado of suspending her without due process.

Ramos claimed she was penalized after allegedly interfering with the water delivery system in her barangay, which she said was not aligned with the protocols set by Arnado. READ MORE

Alleged flying voters in Lanao del Sur barangay face hearing. MORE than 300 newly registered voters from Barangay Linuk in Pualas, Lanao del Sur, appeared before the Ganassi Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) on January 8 for a hearing on alleged voter irregularities.

The group represents the final batch of 912 individuals summoned by the court after a petition raised concerns over their voter registration.

Barangay Linuk had the highest number of summoned individuals out of the 11 barangays in Pualas, according to lawyer Mohammad Jihad Sarangani, representing the petitioners. READ MORE

New three-storey, multi-purpose building rises in Malabon city barangay.  The newly-constructed three-storey multi-purpose building completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Malabon-Navotas District Engineering Office have brought local barangay services closer to its constituents in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, Navotas City.

Spanning a total floor area of approximately 1,746 square meters, this project supports the local government unit’s initiatives to improve public infrastructure, and enhance its delivery of services to the community in Navotas City. The project was implemented in five phases, with a total funding allocation of 87,700,000 pesos. The building features a spacious parking area on the first floor to accommodate vehicles, ensuring convenience for users. The second floor is designed to house five offices and a function hall, providing spaces for administrative operations and various events. Meanwhile, the third floor includes a basketball court and a multipurpose area, serving as a venue for sports, recreation, and other community activities.

This infrastructure marks a significant milestone in creating functional and modern spaces that address the government’s operational needs and support community engagement. It strengthens the connection between the government and its stakeholders and contributes to the overall development of Navotas City. READ MORE