Barangay volunteers at the frontline of disaster response. In the wake of the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Crising, Dante, and Emong, barangay volunteers have played a crucial role in disaster response across the Philippines. These dedicated individuals, including barangay tanods, health workers, and community responders, swiftly mobilized to rescue families, distribute relief, monitor flood levels, and assist in evacuations, often reaching hard-to-access areas before formal units. In San Rafael, Bulacan, volunteers monitored vulnerable groups' health, while in San Mateo, hot meals were delivered to evacuees. The DILG supports these efforts and emphasizes the need for continued investment in training and resources for barangay volunteers, highlighting their vital role in achieving the President’s vision of a prepared and compassionate nation (Photo Credit: DILG)
Pasig City barangays urged by WHO to engage in building healthy communities. Pasig City is enhancing its health governance framework through community engagement, forming the Urbanlead Committee under Mayor Vico Sotto's administration to partner with various sectors, including academia and civil society. This initiative, part of the WHO's urban governance for health program, aims to align city planning with barangay health priorities. A consultation workshop in September 2023 gathered over 100 barangay leaders to create a shared vision for healthier communities, resulting in a cohesive action plan. Despite challenges in barangay planning processes, efforts to include diverse community voices, such as CSOs and marginalized groups, are ongoing. This approach fosters inclusive decision-making, ensuring health considerations are integrated into local development plans, promoting holistic well-being in Pasig City.
Apayao barangay health and nutrition federations meet to address challenges. On July 11, 2025, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO) convened the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) Provincial Federation Meeting in San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao. Nineteen representatives from seven municipalities discussed community health and nutrition issues, aligning activities with Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr.’s development agenda. A gap analysis revealed challenges such as inadequate measuring tools, lack of permanent BNS positions, low visibility of health workers, and insufficient community support. Proposed solutions included regular training sessions, nutrition planning workshops, and updates to reference manuals. Participants emphasized the need for sustained healthcare efforts and the recognition of BHWs and BNSs' contributions to local health.
Barangay readiness is crucial to disaster response, says Iloilo City Mayor Treñas. Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized the need for enhanced training at the barangay level to improve disaster response, especially after the recent southwest monsoon and tropical storms affected nearly 15,000 families and flooded 100 barangays. She plans to implement training programs for barangay officials on emergency response and contingency planning. Treñas highlighted the importance of strong coordination between local and national agencies for effective flood mitigation. While barangay officials are dedicated, they faced challenges in monitoring and assisting affected residents during the flooding, prompting an assessment for a potential state of calamity declaration.
Island barangays in Eastern Samar benefit from ‘Serbisyo Caravan’. On July 17, residents of two island barangays in Salcedo, Eastern Samar, benefited from various national and local government programs during the "Serbisyo Caravan," the first under the leadership of Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone. The governor emphasized the importance of bringing government services closer to the people, acknowledging the difficulties of travel. He encouraged residents to take advantage of the services provided. The caravan included medical kits, dental services, and circumcision for children, as well as free seeds and personal care services. Beneficiaries like farmer Renato Macasa and pregnant resident Maria Gracia Macawile expressed gratitude for the accessible services, which eliminated the need to travel for basic healthcare. The initiative, originally launched by former Governor Ben P. Evardone, aims to serve remote communities effectively.
Tagum City barangay information officers meet to improve information dissemination. Designated Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) in Tagum City convened for their inaugural meeting on July 17 at the Jesus V. Ayala Hall, focusing on combating information disorder and enhancing information dissemination. The event, attended by 20 BIOs and key officials including City Local Government Operations Officer Jeanette Palmera and Tagum City Councilor Cathy Eliot, aimed to empower grassroots communicators. Tagum City Information Officer Don Kryle Sy emphasized the support of Mayor Rey T. Uy in equipping BIOs to share government programs with the community. DILG XI's Palmera highlighted the reciprocal nature of information delivery, while PIA XI's Rene V. Carbayas stressed the importance of combating misinformation. The session also covered fact-checking techniques to improve information accuracy.
Remote Cotabato barangay received assistance from the provincial government and ELCAC. Barangay Villaflores in Makilala, Cotabato Province, recently benefited from the "Serbisyong Totoo Caravan," a collaborative initiative between the provincial government and the Soccsksargen Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC). This program aims to deliver essential services to remote communities. In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed unwavering support for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), assuring that the government will fulfill its commitments under existing agreements. This initiative underscores the government's dedication to addressing local needs and fostering peace in affected areas.
BARMM parliament supports bigger benefits for barangay officials. Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament are backing the proposed Barangay Officials Death and Disability Benefit Act of 2025, which aims to provide at least P500,000 in benefits to barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials in the autonomous region. Filed on July 22 by lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, the bill will undergo thorough deliberation. It proposes cash grants of P500,000 to P1 million for officials who die, are incapacitated due to violence or accidents while on duty, or suffer from illness. Over 20 parliament members have pledged to collaborate on passing the bill, which mandates funding through the BARMM government and will be managed by Al-Amanah Islamic Bank and Pru Life UK. Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza expressed hope for the bill's enactment, highlighting its importance for local officials. Read Full Story
Distribution of farm inputs and training activities held in Sulu barangay. The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Zamboanga Peninsula recently launched two significant farming infrastructure projects to support Isabeleño farmers: a Storage Facility for Organic Fertilizer in Barangay Baluno and a Vermicomposting Facility in Barangay Lumbang. The Storage Facility, valued at ₱2,488,362.38, was allocated to the Integrated Diversified City Agriculture and Fisheries Farm School, while the Vermicomposting Facility, costing ₱1,875,270.80, was awarded to Samahang Makakalikasan (SAMAKA). These facilities aim to promote organic farming by enabling farmers to produce their own fertilizers and compost, reducing reliance on chemical products. City officials, including Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, expressed gratitude for the DA's support, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices for economic growth. The projects are funded through the DA's Organic Agriculture Program and are expected to be completed by September 21.
