Samal Puts Barangay Information Officers at the Center of Grassroots Governance

 

In a city where geography can make communication as challenging as governance itself, barangay information officers are being recognized as a critical link between the government and communities in the Island Garden City of Samal.

City officials described barangay information officers as “indispensable” in bridging information gaps, particularly in a geographically dispersed community where delivering timely and accurate government information can be difficult.

In a message delivered by his Executive Assistant, Atty. Lorelie E. Ledesma, during the April 22 Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) Orientation and Learning Session, Mayor Lemuel T. Reyes said the gathering was more than a training activity, describing it as a recognition of the significant role information officers play in the community.

Reyes said barangay information officers help “bridge the gap” created by information technology by translating government policies and programs into information that residents can better understand at the grassroots level.

The observation points to a continuing challenge in local governance: access to information does not automatically mean access to understandable and reliable information.

While digital platforms have made government announcements faster to distribute, they have also created a crowded information environment in which official announcements compete with incomplete, distorted or misleading information. At the barangay level, trusted local information channels therefore remain important.

For Samal, geography adds another dimension to the challenge.

Barangay information officers must effectively “conquer the distance” separating communities and ensure that households receive information on programs, policies, services and other matters that directly affect them.

Their role consequently extends beyond simply relaying announcements. They can help explain government actions, clarify policies and provide communities with a more direct connection to local government.

Vice Mayor Richard A. Guindolman said the BION initiative supports his advocacy of bringing government closer to the people through transparency and accurate information dissemination. He described barangay information officers as “partners in governance” and the bridge between government and citizens.

That description is significant because effective governance depends not only on the delivery of services but also on the public's understanding of those services.

Programs may fail to reach their intended beneficiaries when residents are unaware of them, misunderstand eligibility requirements or receive conflicting information. In this setting, accurate barangay-level communication becomes part of service delivery itself.

Association of Barangay Captains President Ruel Bantillo likewise emphasized the importance of developing the communication skills of barangay information officers.

He noted the designation of barangay secretaries as information officers, saying an official channel for disseminating information could help minimize misinformation.

The arrangement also highlights the need for clear responsibilities. As more government transactions, programs and announcements move through digital and social media platforms, barangays need designated personnel who can distinguish official information from unverified reports and communicate it responsibly.

The BION orientation conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Davao Region, with logistics and operational support from the City Local Government Operations Office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, therefore carries significance beyond a single training session.

It reflects a broader recognition that information is itself a governance resource.

For a geographically challenging city such as Samal, strengthening the people responsible for delivering that information to the community could help make government programs more visible, understandable and accessible.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of barangay information officers will depend not only on their communication skills but also on the quality, timeliness and accuracy of the information they receive from the government. When those elements work together, the barangay can become not merely the last mile of information dissemination, but a vital first line of public engagement and trust-building. (News source and photo credit: PIA)

Davao City Puts Barangays on the Front Line of Flood Prevention

by Mauricio I. Miranda Jr., Publisher/Editor 

Davao City is looking to its 182 barangays to take a more active role in one of the most basic but critical aspects of flood prevention: keeping neighborhood waterways and drainage systems clear.

A proposed resolution before the Davao City Council is urging all barangays to conduct routine cleaning and maintenance of waterways within their respective jurisdictions, linking regular drainage maintenance not only to flood mitigation but also to public health, sanitation and community safety.

Councilor Jessica Bonguyan of the Committee on Public Works and Highways presented the resolution, emphasizing that flood prevention cannot rest solely on city government departments.

The city government already conducts desilting and cleanup operations through the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU), City Engineer's Office (CEO) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). But these citywide operations can only go so far, particularly when the problem involves smaller drainage systems located within neighborhoods.

Under the proposed approach, barangays would take greater responsibility for secondary canals, smaller drainage systems and inlets along barangay roads.

“Barangays must take charge of smaller neighborhood drainage systems and secondary canals, including inlets along barangay roads, in order to sustain the clearing efforts initiated by city-level departments,” Bonguyan said.

Why the barangay matters

The proposal recognizes a practical reality in urban flood management: major waterways may receive considerable attention from city authorities, but flooding can also begin with something much smaller—a clogged inlet, a blocked canal or garbage accumulating in a neighborhood drainage line.

These are precisely the systems that barangay officials and residents encounter on a daily basis.

Routine maintenance could therefore complement the larger desilting and flood-control operations undertaken by the city.

The resolution cites Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which provides the legal framework for local governments to promote the general welfare, protect public health and maintain peace and order.

In this context, keeping neighborhood drainage systems functional is more than a cleanup activity. It becomes part of basic community governance.

From cleanup to community responsibility

The proposed resolution also puts residents into the picture.

Barangay officials would be expected to mobilize residents, purok leaders and volunteer groups to promote proper waste segregation and responsible disposal, particularly to prevent garbage from entering waterways.

This is significant because drainage maintenance cannot be sustained through periodic government cleanup operations if the same waterways continue to receive household waste.

The approach effectively shifts part of the focus from cleaning waterways after they become clogged to preventing them from becoming clogged in the first place.

That makes community behavior an important component of flood mitigation.

For barangays, the challenge will be maintaining regularity. A one-time cleanup before or during the rainy season may remove accumulated waste, but sustained maintenance requires a continuing system of inspection, collection and community participation.

City and barangay roles

The proposed arrangement does not mean barangays would be expected to handle every drainage problem on their own.

The resolution calls for barangays to coordinate with ASU, CEO and CENRO when they encounter severe blockages or problems requiring heavy equipment or technical intervention beyond their capacity.

This creates a division of responsibilities: barangays handle routine, localized maintenance, while city departments provide technical and equipment support for larger or more complex problems.

Such coordination could make flood-response efforts more efficient by allowing city agencies to focus resources where they are most needed.

The proposal also encourages barangays to promptly report major drainage and waterway problems through official city channels, including Davao City Reports.

Flood prevention starts before the rain

The significance of the resolution lies partly in its preventive approach.

Flood mitigation is often associated with large infrastructure—drainage projects, pumping stations, flood-control structures and river improvement works. But the effectiveness of these investments can be undermined if smaller connecting waterways and drainage inlets are blocked.

Keeping those systems clear may not eliminate flooding, particularly during extreme rainfall, but it can help preserve the capacity of existing drainage networks.

The public-health dimension is equally important. Stagnant and polluted water can contribute to unsanitary conditions and create additional risks for communities.

Bonguyan described the maintenance of unobstructed and clean drainage canals as a shared responsibility tied to environmental sanitation, disaster preparedness and community safety.

A test of grassroots governance

If adopted and effectively implemented, the proposal would give barangays a more defined role in the city's flood-mitigation strategy.

Its success, however, will depend less on the resolution itself than on what happens at the neighborhood level: whether barangay officials organize regular inspections, whether residents keep garbage out of canals, whether problems are reported promptly and whether city agencies respond when barangay-level capacity is exceeded.

That makes the proposal as much a governance initiative as a drainage initiative.

The 182 barangays collectively form the city's first line of community-level environmental management. Their ability to maintain small waterways and mobilize residents could determine how well the city's larger flood-control investments function on the ground.

The message behind the proposal is straightforward: flood prevention does not begin only when the rain starts. It begins with keeping the drainage system clear while the skies are still dry. (News source: Davao City CIO post) 

 

Bacolod’s EV Bet: Bringing Clean Mobility to the Barangay

by Mauricio I. Miranda Jr., Publisher/Editor, Barangay Reporter

Bacolod City is putting electric mobility to a practical test—not only on its streets, but inside the barangays where much of local government’s day-to-day work takes place.

Twenty barangays are set to receive electric utility vans worth more than P30 million in total national government assistance, giving the city an opportunity to determine whether electric vehicles can become a practical part of grassroots public service.

The vehicles will be funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with each of the 20 recipient barangays expected to receive one electric utility van. According to Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the priority will be barangays with large populations.

The vans are intended primarily for barangay operations and public-service delivery. But the project also forms part of a larger ambition: gradually moving Bacolod's public transportation and government vehicles toward electric power.

“The purpose is for the City of Bacolod to migrate our public transportation into EVs,” Benitez said.

That makes the 20 barangays more than recipients of new vehicles. They could become real-world testing grounds for the city's electric-vehicle strategy.

Beyond the purchase price

The attraction of EVs for local governments is not simply that they are cleaner than conventional vehicles.

Operating economics could be equally important.

Benitez cited the experience of some tricycle and jeepney drivers who have shifted to electric vehicles, saying they have seen potential savings in operating and maintenance expenses. Electric vehicles generally have fewer moving components than internal-combustion vehicles, potentially reducing maintenance requirements.

For barangays that regularly use utility vehicles, lower operating and maintenance expenses could eventually translate into savings that may be redirected to other community services.

But the purchase of an EV is only the beginning.

The long-term economics will depend on factors such as charging infrastructure, electricity costs, battery durability, maintenance arrangements and how frequently the vehicles are used. These practical considerations will determine whether the initial investment produces sustained savings.

This is where the Bacolod project could become particularly useful. Twenty barangays provide a relatively manageable setting in which the city can observe how EVs perform under actual local-government conditions.

The barangay as a proving ground

Barangays occupy a unique position in the local government system. They are closest to residents and are involved in a wide range of community-level activities.

A barangay utility vehicle may be used for transporting personnel and supplies, supporting local programs and responding to community needs. If an electric van can reliably perform these functions, its value goes beyond its environmental benefits.

It becomes an operational tool for local governance.

The project could also generate information that is often more useful than theoretical projections. Actual barangay experience can show how much electricity is consumed, how often vehicles require charging, what maintenance issues arise and whether operating costs are indeed lower than those of conventional vehicles.

Such information could eventually guide decisions on expanding EV use to other barangays and government offices.

National funding, local impact

Another important element is the use of national government assistance.

The availability of LGSF financing gives Bacolod an avenue to introduce relatively expensive new technology without requiring barangays to shoulder the entire acquisition cost from their regular resources.

That matters because the transition to electric mobility involves substantial upfront investment. National funding can therefore serve as a catalyst for local governments that may otherwise be reluctant to make the initial move.

The challenge is ensuring that the investment remains useful long after the vehicles are formally distributed.

For barangays, vehicle ownership also brings continuing responsibilities: proper maintenance, charging arrangements, trained personnel and responsible utilization. The sustainability of the program will therefore depend as much on local management as on the technology itself.

Clean transportation meets immediate community needs

Benitez disclosed the EV initiative to media members on September 4, 2026, after distributing P5,000 each from his personal funds to 23 households affected by a fire in Purok San Jose 2, Barangay Sum-ag, on September 1.

The fire displaced 91 people, destroyed nine houses and damaged five others.

Benitez said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would also extend financial assistance to the affected families through his office. Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government, through its Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), is processing additional assistance.

The two developments illustrate the different time horizons of local governance.

Fire victims need immediate assistance with basic recovery. At the same time, the government must make investments intended to improve public services and address longer-term concerns such as transportation costs and environmental sustainability.

The real measure will come later

For now, the 20 electric vans are a relatively modest component of Bacolod's overall transportation system.

Their greater significance may lie in what the city learns from them.

If the vehicles prove reliable, economical and suitable for routine barangay operations, the project could provide a stronger foundation for expanding electric mobility across the local-government fleet.

If unexpected costs or operational difficulties emerge, those lessons will be equally important.

Either way, Bacolod is moving the discussion about electric vehicles from policy aspiration to actual community-level experience.

And that may ultimately be the most important contribution of the project: not simply putting 20 electric vans on the road, but finding out whether cleaner transportation can work as an everyday tool of barangay governance. 

DENR Calabarzon Turns to Rewards to Drive Better Waste Management  

by Mauricio I. Miranda Jr., Publisher/Editor, Barangay Reporter

More than two decades after the passage of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, or Republic Act No. 9003, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON is trying a different way to address one of the country’s persistent environmental challenges: instead of relying primarily on enforcement, it is putting greater emphasis on rewarding communities that get solid waste management right.

The shift is embodied in the “Malinis na Barangay” program, which recognizes barangays that demonstrate effective, innovative, and sustainable approaches to managing solid waste.

DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado described the initiative as a strategic, responsive and community-centered program in which barangays themselves take the lead.

“Ang approach naman natin is reward system,” Adornado said during the Philippine Information Agency’s Kapihan sa PIA program. “Strategic ito, responsive and community-centered activity kung saan ang bida ay ‘yung barangay.”

The approach represents a significant change in emphasis. Rather than focusing largely on violations and deficiencies, the program seeks to identify communities that are already demonstrating workable solutions and use their experiences as models for others.

Under the program, the champion barangay will receive P100,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive P75,000 and P50,000, respectively.

But for DENR, the financial incentives are not the principal measure of success.

Adornado said the larger objective is to influence community behavior so that proper waste management becomes part of everyday practice rather than something imposed mainly through government enforcement.

“It’s not only the reward,” he said. “Ang gusto natin makikita dito ay magkaroon ng behavioral change ang ating community.”

That objective points to a fundamental challenge in implementing RA 9003: having a law in place does not automatically guarantee that households and communities will consistently segregate, reduce and properly manage their waste.

The Malinis na Barangay program therefore seeks to move the discussion from waste collection to waste prevention, segregation and resource recovery.

Adornado said the DENR also wants to reduce the volume of household waste being collected and encourage local governments to strengthen segregation and contribute to a more functional circular economy.

This is important because simply collecting and transporting increasing amounts of mixed waste can leave communities dependent on disposal systems without addressing the source of the problem. Encouraging households and barangays to segregate materials, recover recyclables and reduce waste at source could potentially lessen the burden on local waste-management systems.

The program also places barangays at the center of the solution. As the government’s most localized administrative units, barangays are in a position to influence household practices and mobilize residents around community-based environmental initiatives.

The bigger test, however, will be whether recognition and incentives can produce lasting behavioral change beyond the competition itself.

If successful, the program could provide DENR CALABARZON with a pool of community-level examples that can be replicated elsewhere. In this sense, the P100,000 prize is not merely a financial incentive but part of an effort to demonstrate that effective waste management can be achieved through community participation and locally developed solutions.

The underlying message is clear: after years of emphasizing compliance, environmental governance may also need to show communities what they stand to gain by doing the right thing.

For DENR CALABARZON, the Malinis na Barangay program is an attempt to make barangays active partners in solving the waste problem—and to turn successful local practices into models for a cleaner and more sustainable region. 

 

No ghost projects in NTF-ELCAC barangay development program

 

The NTF-ELCAC denies allegations of ghost or substandard projects within its Barangay Development Program (BDP), designed to counter communist influence by delivering essential services to conflict-affected communities. Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. emphasized strict guidelines, stakeholder monitoring, and fund distribution directly to local governments. Project inspectors receive training to ensure quality. The DILG's online monitoring system and physical inspections at multiple levels further safeguard project implementation. The BDP has served 4,830 barangays as of 2024, with a proposed 2026 budget allocating PhP10 million per barangay for 808 barangays nationwide, focusing on infrastructure like roads, schools, and health stations. (Text and Photo Credits: PCO) 

Weekly Barangay News and Events Nationwide (September 29 - October 5, 2025)

SPECIAL REPORT: Seal of Good Governance for Barangay Awardees, Municipality of Leon, Iloilo Province. On August 24, 2025, Barangays Agboy Sur, Binolbog, and Igcadios in Leon, Iloilo, were awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) by the DILG during the Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay Day in Iloilo City. These barangays earned recognition for consistently upholding good governance centered on financial accountability, disaster resilience, peace and order, environmental sustainability, social protection, and competitiveness. Their success is rooted in well-enacted policies aligned with national laws and supported by active community participation, NGOs, and CSOs. Implementation of programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) is closely monitored, with emphasis on transparency and proper fund utilization. Strong records management, accessible public documents, and diligent barangay secretaries ensure accountability. These barangays also function as learning organizations, continually improving through knowledge sharing and replicating innovative practices. Their achievements are further supported by active leadership, cooperation among officials, and capacity-building programs provided by the DILG. (Summarized from the Original text of Ms. Emmy Marie A. Nedula, LGOO VI/MLGOO, DILG Leon, Iloilo)

Some barangay officials in Pasig City were warned by Vice Mayor Jaworski.  Pasig City Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr. issued a stern warning to corrupt barangay officials, emphasizing that transparency and accountability must start at the local level. He asserted that officials who misuse public funds will face jail time, urging residents to elect better public servants. Councilor Volta Delos Santos criticized barangay officials for lacking budget transparency. Jaworski assured citizens of the city government's commitment to clean and honest governance, promising to implement reforms and demonstrate the need for a corruption-free administration. He said change is crucial and the city is serious about achieving it. Manila Bulletin

Medical Mission brings health services to remote Iligan City barangay. A one-day medical mission in Digkilaan, an upland barangay with limited access to healthcare, brought free medical consultations, dental services, medicines, and referrals to hundreds of residents. Organized by CSC-10 and the Iligan City Government in celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service anniversary, the event prioritized vulnerable groups like farmers, seniors, and pregnant women. Residents from nearby barangays benefited, including Avelina Carigo and Panfilo Nadela, who praised the help they received. This marks CSC-10’s third rural outreach, reflecting their commitment to reaching underserved areas where distance and cost often prevent access to basic health services. Philippine Information Agency

Pampanga boosts disaster readiness of coastal barangays. The Provincial Government of Pampanga is enhancing disaster preparedness in 21 coastal barangays by distributing mobile phones and generator sets. Each barangay received a mobile phone with unlimited call, text, and data services, and a generator set to ensure continued communication and power during emergencies. These resources will enable barangay halls to function as charging stations when electricity is disrupted, ensuring smooth coordination with municipal and provincial authorities. Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda led the distribution. Vice Governor Pineda emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and power supply during calamities for effective disaster response. Sunstar

Zamboanga City barangay information officers attend capacity-building workshop. Barangay Information Officers from Zamboanga City’s 98 barangays attended a capacity-building and communications planning workshop to enhance grassroots communication for government health programs. Organized by the DOH and PIA, the training covered media literacy, cybersecurity, communication strategy, and DOH’s 8 Priority Health Outcomes, including maternal health and disease prevention. Participants created barangay-level communication plans, with Isabela City sharing best BION practices. PIA Regional Head Noemi Edaga and Mayor Khymer Olaso emphasized BION’s role in combating misinformation and promoting informed communities. The workshop highlighted collaboration between national and local agencies to deliver accurate, timely, and people-centered information to empower families. Philippine Information Agency

Davao City CDRRMO cited the importance of proactive disaster preparedness in the barangays. The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) rated its recent river-wide flood simulation exercise a 7 out of 10, recognizing both strengths and areas for improvement. CDRRMO officer Rodrigo Bustillo emphasized the importance of proactive disaster preparedness, noting that some barangays—such as Waan, Tigatto, 1-A, and 2-A—must improve response capacity and engagement in the city’s monitoring system. Positive outcomes included better information dissemination and public compliance with evacuation protocols. The September 27 drill involved 13 barangays along the Davao River, while an earlier exercise on September 21 covered five vulnerable barangays near the Lipadas River due to flood risk. SunStar

Liga ng mga Barangay asked to explain questionable affidavits. Election law expert Atty. Romulo Macalintal urged the Supreme Court to compel the Liga ng mga Barangay and 51 village chiefs, along with their legal counsel, to explain how their sworn statements were all notarized on the same day by Atty. Petchie Rose G. Espera. Macalintal expressed concern over the notarization process, especially since Espera’s signature appeared on an affidavit allegedly against ex-House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Espera, however, denied notarizing or preparing the document, calling it falsified and unauthorized. She stated in a letter that the signature and notarial details attributed to her were forged and demanded the affidavit be removed online. Inquirer 

Real on the ground results must reflect true drug-clear status in the barangays, says Sultan Kudarat governor. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that 239 out of 249 barangays in Sultan Kudarat, or 95.98%, are now classified as drug-cleared or drug-free. Of these, 228 maintained drug-cleared status, while 11 were declared drug-free. Ten barangays lost their cleared status due to the presence of drug personalities. The findings were presented during a regional oversight committee meeting. PDEA explained that drug-cleared areas had overcome past drug issues, while drug-free ones never had any. Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu emphasized that real on-ground results—not just reports—must reflect the province’s progress and vowed continued efforts to clear all barangays. Philippine Information Agency

Lingayen holds a successful barangay tourism fair.  The Produkto ng Barangay, Yaman ng Bayan” Tourism Fair, held on September 25–26 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, highlighted local culture, supported 20 barangay-based entrepreneurs, and boosted sales and exposure. Organized by the LGU Lingayen and LTCAO, the event featured first-time participants like Seth’s Buri Blinds and LERA’s handcrafted duyan. Returning vendors, such as Mel’s Tamales and Rege’s Handmade Crafts, reported strong customer interest. Mayor Josefina Castañeda emphasized pride in local products as reflections of tradition and identity. Participants received certificates, underscoring the LGU’s commitment to sustaining small businesses and preserving community heritage through continued promotional support. Philippine Information Agency

 

Barangay News & Events Nationwide (September 1-7, 2025)

 

Officials of 10 barangays near the West Valley Fault area in Taguig City attended an earthquake preparation training program. From August 18–20, 2025, the DILG-NCR and DILG Taguig conducted the BRAVE AKO Training Program for Taguig City at Astoria Plaza, Pasig. The program aimed to enhance disaster preparedness, especially for the anticipated 7.2 magnitude earthquake, “The Big One.” City Director Alona R. Raymundo urged proactive planning. Discussions led by LGCDD’s Maria Jasmin D. Diaz and LGOO III John Benedict J. Asuncion focused on integrating disaster resilience into Barangay Development Plans. Participants from 10 barangays near the West Valley Fault engaged in workshops on hazard mapping, risk analysis, and planning, fostering shared understanding and preparedness strategies across communities. (PHOTO CREDIT: DILG)

PLDT collaborates with LGUs to protect its barangay-based assets.  PLDT and Smart are expanding their barangay-based asset protection program nationwide, building on its initial success in Makati City. The initiative, led by the PLDT Group’s APSRG, collaborates with local governments and police to combat theft and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, which caused nearly 1,000 incidents in 2024. The program aims to reduce material losses and service disruptions by educating residents and providing them with tools to protect their communities. Rollouts in Dagupan City, Davao City, and Cebu included training on reporting incidents, understanding the Anti-Fencing Law, and promoting digital safety. PLDT and Smart also donated security kits and addressed connectivity issues. This effort aligns with PLDT Group’s broader goal of promoting inclusive progress through technology and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 9.

Preparations underway for 2025 Barangay Awards in Quirino Province. The DILG Quirino, in partnership with the provincial government, is preparing for the 2025 BALLIGI iti Kailyan awards, launched in 2023 to honor barangay officials who exemplify good governance, innovation, and community empowerment. Led by OIC Provincial Director Karen Joy C. Pablico-Castro, the Provincial Evaluation Team (PET) conducted assessments from August 18–20, followed by deliberations on August 26. Winning barangays will represent Quirino in the 2025 EAGLE Awards. The PET comprises experts from various government sectors, ensuring a credible selection process. Final results will be announced on November 4, reflecting the province’s commitment to grassroots leadership and reform.

Barangay information officers in Quezon Province train in community journalism. The Atimonan municipal government partnered with PIA Calabarzon to train Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) to strengthen community-based information dissemination. BIOs, members of the Barangay Information Dissemination Unit (BIDU), received training in news writing, photojournalism, video editing, and journalism ethics. Mayor Elvis Uy emphasized the BIOs' crucial role in delivering accurate information to constituents. Established in 2022, the BIDU ensures continuous information delivery, especially during emergencies. BIOs from Atimonan's 42 barangays act as a bridge between the local government and communities, leveraging technology and social media to keep residents informed and updated.

34 barangays in Negros Island Region declared drug-free. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has declared 34 barangays in the Negros Island Region drug-free after evaluation by the regional oversight committee. This includes 27 barangays in Negros Occidental, six in Negros Oriental, and one in Bacolod City. To be certified drug-free, a barangay must meet strict criteria set by the Dangerous Drugs Board, including the absence of drug users, traffickers, suppliers, and illegal drugs. The assessment involves the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police. Barangay 4 in Bacolod is the only one cleared among the city’s 61 barangays.

Taguig City offers free urban gardening lessons in 5 barangays this September. The Taguig City Agriculture Office is set to hold free urban gardening seminars this September in selected barangay halls, including Pembo, Lower Bicutan, Central Bicutan, Ususan, and Pitogo. These seminars aim to teach residents how to grow their own food at home and make the most of their backyard spaces. The sessions are open to all Taguig residents on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required—walk-ins are welcome. Free seeds will also be distributed to participants, but slots are limited, so early attendance is encouraged.

Barangay leaders from Basilan attend training on effective communication. The Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. conducted a training session for barangay leaders from five communities in Basilan, focusing on effective communication and local registration. The training, part of a peace education program funded by Manos Unidas, aimed to empower leaders and strengthen community engagement. Experts, including a representative from PIA-Basilan and Executive Director Miriam Suacito, emphasized that clear communication and accurate information are essential for transparent governance and informed decision-making. Leaders also learned the importance of proper local registration in accessing services and government programs. Participants expressed appreciation, recognizing the training’s relevance to improving governance and fostering community development.          

Puerto Princesa barangay officials gather to advance gender programs.  Over 1,000 barangay officials in Puerto Princesa attended a Gender and Development (GAD) workshop on August 27 to improve local gender initiatives. Held at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum, the workshop guided leaders in drafting GAD plans, covering GAD concepts, the Safe Spaces Act, and GAD planning/budgeting. City Administrator Carlo Abogado emphasized the barangays' crucial role in advancing gender programs, urging officials to go beyond mere paperwork. The workshop aims to enhance coordination among barangays, fostering projects that promote equality, protect rights, and ensure safer communities. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing gender-related issues at the local level.

256 North Mindanao barangays retain drug-cleared, drug-free statuses. A total of 256 barangays in Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Bukidnon have retained their drug-cleared and drug-free statuses, as approved by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC). These include 21 drug-free and 235 drug-cleared barangays. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) emphasized continued monitoring and community collaboration through Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs), supported by agencies like DOH, DILG, and PNP. Local officials highlighted community-based rehabilitation and education efforts. PDEA reiterated its commitment to human rights and family involvement in drug prevention, reflecting the Marcos Jr. administration’s ongoing anti-drug strategy.

Illegal dumping of trash found in some Pampanga barangays. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) of San Fernando blamed unsegregated waste from households and establishments for illegal garbage dumps in some barangays. On August 29, Cenro conducted clearing operations at the boundary of Barangay Del Pilar and San Nicolas, where large amounts of trash were found. Cenro head Maria Teresa Doble emphasized that under Republic Act 9003, waste must be sorted into biodegradable and non-biodegradable types. She warned that unsegregated garbage will not be collected by the city, stressing that proper segregation and disposal are the responsibility of residents and businesses to ensure compliance with the law.

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.