Sunday, July 27, 2025

Barangay News & Events Nationwide - July 21 to 27, 2025

 

Barangays in Nueva Ecija benefit from newly-paved roads within and between barangays. Six barangays in an agricultural town now benefit from nearly two kilometers of newly paved roads, completed by the DPWH’s Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office. The 1.91-kilometer project aims to improve transportation for farmers and residents by enhancing connectivity and road safety. Funded with P24.3 million under the 2025 national budget, the construction was carried out through the DPWH’s BIP and SIPAG programs. Specific segments were built in Barangays Baloc, Burgos, Pulong Buli, Buasao, and between San Manuel and General Luna. The improved roads are expected to facilitate better access to markets, schools, and essential services.

MMDA promotes public health and environmental care programs in a Metro Manila barangay. The MMDA brought its “Bayanihan sa Barangay” program to Barangay Addition Hills, supported by local officials and residents. The initiative included clearing operations, market cleaning, pest control, lane marking, creek clean-up, and recyclable waste collection to enhance sanitation, mobility, and disaster readiness. Barangay Chairman Carlito Cernal also introduced “Palit Basura, Pagkain sa Masa!,” encouraging waste-for-food exchanges to promote environmental care and food security. A one-stop shop educated residents on waste management, health policies, and disaster preparedness. The event, praised by officials, underscored the importance of collaboration in creating cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities. 

The Sandiganbayan clears former Manila barangay officials over graft case. The Sandiganbayan overturned a Manila court’s conviction of Barangay 598 officials Paulito Valencia Linis, Lutgarda Sandoval Bautista, and Benjamin Matias Chua, who were earlier found guilty of graft over the 2011 procurement of 120 sacks of rice worth P307,899 for Typhoon Pedring victims. The Manila court cited irregularities, such as lack of public bidding and delayed distribution. However, the Sandiganbayan ruled on July 18 that an emergency justified negotiated procurement and found no corrupt intent, noting proper canvassing was done and the supplier offered the lowest price. The officials were thus cleared of charges and their sentences nullified.

Law on the protection of women’s rights discussed in Albay barangay lecture. Sixty residents of Barangay Bitano attended a July 16 session on women’s rights, organized by the Philippine Information Agency, with Cristita Triunfante from the National Gender and Development Resource Program as speaker. She discussed Rule IV of the Magna Carta of Women IRR, which mandates the establishment of Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in all barangays, with trained, preferably female, officers. Residents expressed appreciation for learning about their rights and support services. Triunfante also stressed gender balance in local government leadership. Barangay officials and community members welcomed the initiative and committed to more proactive efforts in addressing gender-based violence. 

Flood control project seen to help reduce flooding in Mandaue City barangay. The flood control project in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City, aimed at reducing flooding along A.S. Fortuna Street, is expected to be completed by year-end. Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano inspected the ongoing Phase 2 in Sitio Orel, while Phase 1 in Rolling Hills is already finished. Both phases connect to Mahiga Creek. The city allocated ₱63.7 million for the project, which will improve drainage but not completely eliminate flooding. The initiative complements a ₱108-million DPWH drainage project facilitated by Congresswoman Emmarie Ouano-Dizon. Plans include installing a two-pump system to divert floodwaters and support for relocating affected families near Mahiga Creek. 

First-of-its-kind energy project launched in Lapu-lapu City barangay. A 30-megawatt Hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the first in the Visayas, broke ground on July 17, 2025, at the Mactan Economic Zone in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City. Developed by AboitizPower and East Asia Utilities Corporation, the facility will store electricity during off-peak hours and release it during peak demand to boost energy reliability. The project aims to support the region’s growing energy needs, especially from key sectors. Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro praised the initiative, calling it a “bold and timely move” that promotes inclusive growth and sustainable development in Cebu and the wider Visayas region.

Barangay Legal Aid Desk proposed by first-term Cebu City councilor. Cebu City Councilor Mikel Rama has proposed an ordinance to establish a Legal Aid Office and Barangay Legal Aid Desks to provide free legal services to the urban poor and marginalized. Filed on July 15, 2025, the measure aims to ensure equal access to justice, especially for those unable to afford legal counsel. It aligns with Supreme Court mandates requiring lawyers to provide free legal aid and allows law students to assist under supervision. A Cebu City Legal Aid Coordinating Committee (CLACC) will oversee implementation. A one-year pilot in at least three barangays is planned, with future expansion citywide.

DILG Bacolod warns all 61 city barangays to comply with road clearing directives to avoid sanctions. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded all 61 barangays in Bacolod City to strictly follow road clearing directives or face possible administrative sanctions. DILG-Bacolod Director Christian Nagaynay warned that non-compliance could lead to complaints filed with the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Ombudsman, or courts. City Ordinance No. 09-17-8140 and various DILG memoranda require regular clearing of illegal structures on public roads. Mayor Greg Gasataya also issued Executive Order No. 015, creating a task force to monitor and enforce compliance. Nagaynay stressed road clearing is essential for public safety and barangay development, not just a legal obligation.

Silay City barangay captain gets the ire of the mayor due to alleged “irregular” use of aircon in the barangay hall. Silay City Mayor Mark Golez denied punching Balaring village chief Remy Roldan, saying he hit a table in anger—not Roldan—during a confrontation on July 9, 2025. Roldan claimed Golez threatened to punch him twice and verbally attacked him. Golez admitted being upset over Roldan’s “irregular” use of an air-conditioning unit in the barangay hall, which lacked a Deed of Donation despite being used for three months. The city covers the barangay’s electric bill, prompting Golez to call the act improper. Tensions may be politically charged, as Roldan supported former mayor Jose Montelibano, whom Golez succeeded last year.

P1-million Sustainable Livelihood Project launched in Capiz barangay. On July 16, the provincial government launched a ₱1-million Sustainable Livelihood Project in Barangay Navitas, Panay town, to support local fishermen and their families. Led by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro under his 2023 Sustainable Livelihood Program, the project aims to reduce poverty and promote rural development. It benefits the Barangay Navitas Fisherfolk Association Inc. (BNFAI) through a fishing supply store and a new fishing boat to boost catch and income. Governor Castro pledged continued support if the project proves effective. Residents and officials praised the initiative as a major step toward economic resilience and sustainable community development.