Quezon City, Philippines — Barangay Pob. Zone 20 of Baybay City, Leyte has once again proven its excellence in grassroots justice and community peacebuilding after being crowned National Champion in the Independent Component City/Component City Category at the 2025 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) National Awarding Ceremony held on November 14, 2025, at the M.I.C.E Center in Quezon City.
The back-to-back victory is a notable achievement for the barangay, which also claimed the National Champion title in the 2024 LTIA. This consecutive win highlights their sustained leadership, efficiency, and commitment to resolving community disputes through effective local justice mechanisms.
Barangay Pob. Zone 20’s Lupong Tagapamayapa (Lupon) was recognized for demonstrating exceptional performance in mediation, conciliation, and arbitration—core components of the Katarungang Pambarangay (Barangay Justice System). Their ability to address conflicts promptly and peacefully has significantly contributed to maintaining social order and strengthening community cohesion in Baybay City.
What is the Lupong Tagapamayapa (Lupon)?
Each barangay in the Philippines has a Lupon, a body chaired by the Punong Barangay and composed of 10–20 members. It plays a crucial role in implementing the Katarungang Pambarangay, a system designed to mediate and resolve disputes within the community—helping prevent minor conflicts from escalating to formal courts.
DILG’s Role and the LTIA
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) oversees the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards, a presidential recognition program that honors outstanding Lupons across the country.
- Mandate: Provide incentives and support to exemplary Lupong Tagapamayapa units.
- Goal: Strengthen the KP system and encourage efficient, community-based dispute resolution.
- Support Systems: The DILG also maintains evaluation tools like the LTIA Information System to ensure fair and efficient assessment.
Promoting Peace at the Grassroots
The LTIA underscores the importance of the Lupon as an essential mechanism for promoting peace, resolving disputes early, and fostering stronger communities. Through their exemplary work, Barangay Pob. Zone 20 continues to embody these ideals—setting the benchmark for barangay-level justice nationwide.
With their 2025 triumph, the barangay stands as a testament to what dedicated leadership and community collaboration can achieve in safeguarding harmony at the grassroots level.
