DILG Honors Outstanding Barangays for Good Governance and Community Service

Outstanding barangays across Region IX were recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the “Barangay: Kaagapay Tungo sa Tagumpay” awards ceremony on October 27, 2026, at Badsbrotel Suites in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The event was part of the celebration of the 35th Local Government Month and highlighted the important role of barangays in delivering government services, maintaining peace, and improving the lives of people in their communities.

The annual awards program recognizes barangays that have shown good performance and made valuable contributions to community development.

One of the highlights was the recognition of regional winners and runners-up of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA). The award honors barangays whose Lupong Tagapamayapa have shown outstanding work in settling disputes and resolving conflicts through mediation at the community level.

The awardees serve as examples for other baraArthurngays, showing what communities can achieve when residents and local governments work together.

Through the awards, DILG IX reaffirmed its commitment to improving barangay governance and recognizing the often-unnoticed but important work of local communities in building peaceful, resilient, and progressive neighborhoods. (Source of Report: DILG Website. Photo: Arthur O. Esolana)

Marikina Barangay Offers Free Brest Cancer Screening

 

Residents of Barangay Tumana in Marikina City can avail of free breast cancer screening on Thursday, October 29, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative aims to encourage early detection and raise awareness about breast health.

Dubbed “Oplan Kapaan,” the screening is open to residents aged 18 and above. It will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marikina Chemotherapy Center on J.P. Rizal Street in Barangay Nangka. No additional requirements are needed.

The program is being conducted in partnership with the Marikina Chemotherapy Center and We Hope Medical Group to encourage residents to take better care of their breast health and seek medical attention if they notice possible warning signs.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported on October 7 that breast cancer remains the leading type of cancer in the Philippines, with more than 33,000 new cases and over 11,000 deaths recorded annually.

The DOH emphasized that early detection can improve treatment outcomes and help prevent complications. It recommends that women aged 50 to 69 undergo regular screening through a clinical breast examination or mammogram every two years at the nearest health facility.

Women are also encouraged to check their breasts regularly at home and watch for unusual lumps or other changes. Anyone who notices abnormalities should consult a doctor or visit the nearest health center.

The DOH reminded the public not to fear screening, stressing that early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. (Source of report: Manila Bulletin. Image credit: Barangay Tumana Facebook)

Zamboanga del Norte Provides Rescue Vehicles to 22 Barangays

Residents of the 22 barangays of Sirawai are expected to benefit from faster emergency response and improved patient transport following the turnover of rescue vehicles by the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte.

Mayor Aljazar P. Janihim thanked the provincial government, saying the assistance was the largest of its kind that the municipality had received. He noted that Sirawai’s remote location makes it difficult to transport patients and ensure their timely arrival at medical facilities.

With rescue vehicles now available to some barangays, local officials expect fewer difficulties in responding to emergencies and transporting patients who need immediate medical attention.

The provincial government, under Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy, formally turned over 20 rescue vehicles, one multipurpose utility vehicle, and one service pickup during a ceremonial event.

Governor Uy emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among local government units to ensure that government assistance reaches communities and addresses their needs. (Source of report and photo: PIA 9)

Laoag City Honors 10 Barangays for Child-Friendly Programs

 

The Laoag City government, through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), recognized 10 barangays on October 20, 2026, for their outstanding child welfare programs and community protection initiatives.

The awards recognize barangays that promote children’s rights to healthcare, education, protection from abuse, a clean environment, and overall development. An inter-agency panel evaluated their child protection policies, health services, and educational support programs.

2026 Most Child-Friendly Barangay Awardees

1. 1st Place: Barangay 1 (San Lorenzo) — its third championship

2. 2nd Place: Barangay 30-A (Suyo)

3. 3rd Place: Barangay 2 (Sta. Joaquina)

4. 4th Place: Barangay 10 (San Jose)

5. 5th Place: Barangay 12 (San Isidro)

Five other barangays were named finalists: Barangays 13, 55-C, 51-A, 55-A, and 51-B.

Special Award for Child Welfare Service

Regina Bartolome of Barangay 51-B (Nangalisan West) received the Child Welfare Service Award for her dedication to childcare and advocacy. She highlighted her efforts to sustain feeding programs and other activities despite limited funding and daily challenges.

Mayor James Bryan Alcid emphasized that protecting children requires the shared commitment of barangay officials and parents. He also reaffirmed the city’s support for public education, pediatric healthcare, and safe community facilities.

Through these initiatives, Laoag City aims to strengthen child-friendly governance and ensure that every child grows up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing community. (Source of report and photo: PIA Ilocos Norte)

South Cotabato Barangay Boosts Public Service with Newly Acquired Office Equipment

Barangay Improgo in Banga, South Cotabato, has acquired a laptop, printer, and projector through the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Presidential Assistance under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF).

The new equipment is expected to help barangay officials manage records, prepare documents, conduct presentations, and carry out community programs more efficiently.

The added resources will also help improve office operations and communication with residents, allowing barangay personnel to provide faster and more responsive public services.

The Barangay Council expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the equipment will strengthen local administration and help improve services for the community.

The initiative is part of the government’s continuing efforts to provide barangays with the resources they need to improve governance and support grassroots development. (Source of report and photo PIA 12)

Marikina barangay exchanges plastic bottles for rice

Residents of Barangay Tumana in Marikina City can now exchange two kilograms of plastic bottles for one kilogram of rice under the “Palit Basura” program launched on October 20, 2026.

Led by the sixth Barangay Council, headed by Chairperson Akiko Centeno, in partnership with Evergreen Labs Philippines Inc., the program encourages residents to recycle plastic waste and help prevent clogged drainage systems and flooding.

Collected plastic bottles will be sent to recycling partners for processing into PET materials and recycled plastic boards, an alternative to plywood.

Weekly collections are scheduled from Tuesday to Friday, covering different areas of the barangay. The program is currently open only to Tumana residents, although officials are considering expanding it to nearby barangays.

In August 2026, Tumana also introduced a similar initiative that allowed residents to exchange plastic bottles for school supplies. (Source of report and photo: Manila Bulletin)

New barangay hall opens in Zambales

 

The Office of Zambales’ First Congressional District turned over a new barangay hall to Barangay Ilwas, Subic, on October 10, 2026, to improve local government services for its residents.

Congressman Jefferson F. “Jay” Khonghun and Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun led the turnover ceremony. Barangay Captain Jen Simbol received the facility, witnessed by other local officials and representatives of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the LGBTQ community.

Khonghun said the project aims to provide residents with more accessible, efficient, and better local government services.

Barangay Ilwas has about 2,942 residents, who are expected to benefit from the new facility as their barangay government’s official workplace. (Source of report and photo: Daily Tribune)