Zamboanga Peninsula barangays earn good governance seal. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has praised barangays and local government units (LGUs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula for their significant progress in governance and public service. DILG Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil noted that all barangay officials in the region have received leadership training, enhancing their skills in accountability and competence. A total of 106 barangays were recognized as national passers of the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB), marking a 457% increase from the previous year. The SGLG program encourages integrity, accountability, and quality public service among LGUs, leading to safer communities and better funding opportunities. Additionally, the DILG reported that all complaints received were addressed, reflecting their commitment to transparency. Abutazil encouraged newly elected officials to continue building on these achievements to further improve governance in the region. Read More Photo Credit: DILGBohol barangays receive laptops from Globe to help in community dispute settlement. Globe has donated ten refurbished laptops to various barangays in Bohol to promote digital inclusion and support eGovernance. . This initiative will enhance the work of the Lupon Tagapamayapa, a community group focused on peacefully resolving disputes. By transitioning from typewriters to laptops, the Lupon can minimize manual errors, maintain digital records, and efficiently manage documents. The turnover event took place at the Bohol Provincial Capitol, with key attendees including Board Member Benjie Arcamo, Liga ng mga Barangay President Romulo Cepedoza, and Globe Vice President Patrick Gloria. The initiative aims to empower communities through technology, recognizing the Lupon's essential role in maintaining peace and order. Read More
Digitalization now reaching many Zamboanga barangays. The
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Zamboanga
Peninsula is enhancing its e-governance initiatives to help local government
units (LGUs) adopt digital systems for improved public service and operational
efficiency. Collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications
Technology (DICT) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), DILG provides
platforms like the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) to streamline
business permitting. The agency is committed to training and supporting LGUs in
effectively managing these digital tools.
Additionally, DILG's digitalization
efforts have extended to barangays through the Barangay Information Governance
System (BIGS), facilitating easier access to data for planning. Overall, these
initiatives aim to promote transparency and data-driven governance at all local
government levels. Read More
Laguna's barangay tanods seen as effective 'force multipliers'. Laguna's police force is enhancing community safety by partnering with barangay force multipliers to improve peace, security, and order. This initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive for the Philippine National Police to increase their visibility and deter crime. Police chief Lt. Col. Victor Maqui Sobrepeña emphasized the importance of collaboration with the community, stating that barangay force multipliers play a crucial role in community-based policing. They assist in surveillance and immediate reporting, which has led to successful police operations.
To further boost visibility and responsiveness, the Calamba City Police has implemented the R.O.N.D.A. CALABARZON initiative, deploying various patrol units and personnel. Sobrepeña urged police officers to remain dedicated and called on the public to actively participate in maintaining safety and order, emphasizing that public safety is a collective responsibility. Read More
Kalinga barangay health worker finds joy in serving. Being a health worker in geographically isolated areas like Barangay Mabongtot, Lubuagan, Kalinga, is physically demanding. Leonida Alya-on has dedicated over 30 years to ensuring her community has access to quality healthcare. She finds joy in serving her fellow Kalinga residents, stating that the reward comes from seeing them healthy.
Starting her career in 1998, Alya-on became a vaccinator in 2022 and a midwife in 2023. She often walks two hours through rugged terrain to provide healthcare services, including immunizations and medications for hypertension. Despite the challenges, she is committed to bringing these essential services closer to the community.
Alya-on also conducts home visits to monitor patients, including the elderly and those with disabilities, which has earned her respect and admiration. One of her patients, 85-year-old Julio Maximo, expressed gratitude for her consistent care. Overall, Alya-on's journey as a health worker is challenging but deeply rewarding for someone devoted to serving others. Read More
Baguio City barangays preparing for 'habagat'. The local government of Baguio, through the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), announced that 128 barangays are preparing for the rainy season, known as habagat. ABC Baguio president Rocky Aliping stated that barangay officials are activating disaster risk reduction measures in anticipation of heavy rains and typhoons. They have installed screens and materials to prevent waste from blocking canals and waterways, particularly those leading to the City Camp Lagoon, which has experienced flooding due to debris. Additionally, barangay officials are conducting information campaigns to educate residents about proper waste disposal and are assessing dead trees for trimming or removal to prevent accidents during severe weather. Read More
Pampanga barangay site of NLEX program on food security and community livelihood. NLEX Corporation has launched a sustainable program aimed at enhancing food security and creating livelihood opportunities for the residents of Barangay Pio, Porac, Pampanga, through the establishment of the NLEX-SCTEX Community Farm. The initiative, inspired by the adage about teaching fishing skills, focuses on imparting various farming techniques to local residents.
Since its inception a year ago, the community farm has produced over 1,200 kg of fresh produce, including pechay, eggplants, and white onions, utilizing both traditional and hydroponic farming methods. Farm Operations Supervisor Magdalena David highlighted the benefits of hydroponic farming, which has increased harvest efficiency and provided a reliable food source during scarce times.
Larry Serrano, a farm volunteer and General Manager of the Ilug Kamalig Agriculture Cooperative, noted that the farm has inspired locals to adopt sustainable farming practices in their own yards, promoting community engagement and self-sufficiency.
NLEX’s VP for Communication and Stakeholder Management, Donna Faylona-Marcelo, emphasized the program’s embodiment of bayanihan, illustrating the power of community support. The 650-square-meter farm was established in 2024 through the collaboration of NLEX Corporation, IKAC officers, and volunteers, aiming to provide nutritious food and generate income for the participants.
This initiative aligns with NLEX’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in addressing Zero Hunger, promoting Good Health and Well-being, and fostering Sustainable Cities and Communities. NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation.
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COMELEC to hold BARMM barangay elections to prevent voter disenfranchisement. The Commission
on Elections (Comelec) announced that it will conduct voter registration
activities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from
July 1 to 11 to prevent disenfranchisement, particularly for youth aged 15 to
17 who are eligible to vote in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Comelec
Chairman George Garcia stated that the decision was made after recognizing the
potential exclusion of voters in BARMM, despite initial plans to suspend
registration due to the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on
October 13. However, new registrants will not be allowed to vote in the BPE, as
only those who participated in the May 12 midterm elections are eligible. A
clarification will be included in the upcoming resolution regarding this
limitation. Read More
Cease and desist order issued over government project in Cebu barangay mangrove area. The Cebu City River Management Council (CCRMC) has recommended a cease-and-desist order against a government project in Barangay Cogon Pardo that is damaging a protected century-old mangrove area, as reported by the Freeman. An assessment by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) revealed that lime aggregates were being unloaded to construct a roadway, part of a P97-million flood management program by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The project was found to lack a proper management or rehabilitation plan, raising significant environmental concerns. The ongoing backfilling has encroached on mature mangrove trees, prompting the CCRMC to call for urgent action to prevent further damage. The Acting Mayor, Dondon Hontiveros, issued a cease-and-desist order and directed a technical conference involving all parties. The CCENRO reported that they were not consulted about the project, which poses critical threats to the mangrove ecosystem. The CCRMC also highlighted the presence of century-old mangroves and the need for conservation efforts, recommending engagement with the National Museum of the Philippines to declare these trees as heritage.
Iligan City barangay beneficiary of development project. On May 14, 2025, the Culmination Program for the Social Enterprise Development Project took place at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), celebrating three years of collaboration among key stakeholders, faculty, staff, and women beneficiaries from Barangay Digkilaan. The event featured inspiring remarks from project leader Assistant Professor Shiny Rose S. Narit and closing comments from Assistant Professor Tressa Maye S. Pendang, who praised the participants' resilience. The women shared heartfelt messages expressing gratitude and highlighting their personal growth, showcasing the project's significant impact on their lives and communities. The initiative was supported by various organizations, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in fostering empowerment and resilience. The program concluded with a shared sentiment of hope and the belief that this is just the beginning of their journey together. Read More
Apayao barangay visited by mobile health services of the province. On May 23, 2025, Project BUTSY, a mobile health initiative by the provincial government, provided medical services to residents of Barangay Cadaclan, Calanasan. The outreach resulted in 130 general medical consultations, 69 eye check-ups with free eyeglasses, 45 basic laboratory services, and 10 dental procedures. Free medications were distributed based on prescriptions, and 120 individuals were referred for financial assistance. Barangay Captain Inovejas Tubban expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its significance for the community. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mark Joleen Calban affirmed the program's ongoing commitment to delivering healthcare services through inter-agency collaboration. Project BUTSY aligns with the health priorities of Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang and Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., focusing on improving access to quality healthcare in underserved areas. Read More
