The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recognized four outstanding barangays for their exemplary work in resolving local disputes and promoting peace through the Katarungang Pambarangay system.
These barangays were awarded the prestigious Lupong Mapayapa Incentives Awards 2024, which honors local government units that excel in peacebuilding and conflict resolution at the barangay level. Here’s a closer look at the awardees and the innovative approaches they’ve implemented to foster harmony in their communities.
1. Brgy. Rizal, Bansalan, Davao del Sur
National Winner – First to Third Income Class Category
Barangay Chair: Danilo Rebuta Soberano
Brgy. Rizal emerged as the national winner in the First to Third Income Class Category. Under the leadership of Chairman Danilo Rebuta Soberano, the barangay has implemented a series of effective strategies to resolve disputes and promote peace. One key element of their success is the unity and teamwork of the community. According to Chairman Soberano, their secret lies in constant communication and collaboration.
The barangay holds monthly meetings for the "Lupong Mapayapa" (Peace Council), which ensures continuous monitoring and resolution of conflicts. They also conduct seminars for both the provincial and barangay levels to enhance the capacity of their peacebuilders.
The Php 300,000 incentive will be allocated for further training, seminars, and the development of business materials to support Katarungang Pambarangay.
Soberano hopes that the barangay can sustain its initiatives and continue providing a peaceful environment for its residents. A unique practice in Brgy. Rizal is the Pre-Hearing Dialogue, where a comfortable setting is established for the parties involved, and the hearing begins with a prayer—a gesture that helps set a respectful tone for resolution.
2. Brgy. Sinian, Baliangao, Misamis Occidental
Fourth to Sixth Income Class Municipalities Category
Barangay Chairwoman: Mary Madridondo Rusiana
In the Fourth to Sixth Income Class Municipalities category, Brgy. Sinian from Baliangao, Misamis Occidental, was recognized for its practical approach to resolving various types of local disputes, including light threats, malicious mischief, and slight physical injuries. Chairwoman Mary Madridondo Rusiana emphasized that it’s not just about words but about taking concrete action to prevent conflicts from escalating.
Rusiana credits the barangay’s success to the collaborative decision-making process involving the Lupon members. Together, they discuss the most effective solutions for disputes, ensuring that everyone’s opinions are considered and that resolutions are implemented in the best interest of the community.
Meanwhile, the Php 300,000 incentive will be used to improve the barangay’s facilities and conduct team-building activities for the Lupon members. Rusiana noted that the initiatives will strengthen the team’s ability to share ideas and work together towards the goal of a peaceful and harmonious barangay.
"As barangay chairwoman, I will continue to improve our processes and ensure that we serve our community with excellence so that we can achieve lasting peace and prosperity," she highlighted.
3. Brgy. Budla-an, Cebu City
Highly Urbanized Cities Category
Barangay Chairwoman: Nerissa Antolihao
Brgy. Budla-an in Cebu City received recognition in the Highly Urbanized Cities category for its unique approach to handling common disputes such as debt collection and oral defamation. Barangay Chairwoman Nerissa Antolihao explained that a key part of their process involves evaluating whether the parties involved are individual or legal entities and ensuring that both parties are within the same jurisdiction for the case to be addressed under Katarungang Pambarangay.
One of their standout practices is the provision of free transportation for respondents, ensuring that they can attend hearings. After disputes are resolved, the barangay ensures that both the complainant and the respondent are brought together and delivered home together, symbolizing the restoration of peace between the parties.
This thoughtful approach to conflict resolution, focusing on making both parties feel heard and supported, has contributed to the barangay’s success in maintaining peace and order.
4. Brgy. Poblacion Zone 20, Baybay City, Leyte
Component or Independent Cities Category
Barangay Chairwoman: Carmelita Tito
Brgy. Poblacion Zone 20 in Baybay City, Leyte, won the award in the Component or Independent Cities category. Barangay Chairwoman Carmelita Tito shared that the barangay places a strong emphasis on resolving complaints without penalties, fostering a cooperative approach to problem-solving.
In cases where conflicts cannot be resolved through mediation, the barangay issues a Certification of Action, allowing the parties involved to pursue legal action. This ensures that the community is not burdened by unresolved issues and that due process is followed. Chairwoman Tito’s leadership has ensured that disputes are settled with fairness and efficiency, promoting peace and order in the barangay.
The Lupong Mapayapa Incentives Awards 2024 celebrate the outstanding contributions of barangays across the Philippines in the area of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Through the leadership and dedication of barangay officials like Chairmen Soberano, Rusiana, Antolihao, and Tito, these awardees have demonstrated the power of community collaboration and effective governance.
With the Php 300,000 incentives, these barangays plan to further enhance their systems and continue their work of fostering peaceful and thriving communities, showing that peace truly begins at the barangay level.
