The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Negros Oriental Chapter conducted its 1st Quarter General Assembly from March 26 to 28, 2026, in Boracay Island, Aklan. This significant event brought together barangay officials and government representatives to discuss vital topics related to governance, gender responsiveness, and disaster resilience.
Assembly Overview and Theme
The assembly, held at the Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center, revolved around the theme “Integrating Gender Responsiveness and Disaster Resilience into the Barangay Governance Framework.” The program featured a combination of technical sessions, policy discussions, and organizational meetings designed to empower local governance.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The event commenced with registration and billeting activities on March 26, with participants checking into various affiliated hotels. The evening program featured an official opening ceremony, which included several traditional preliminaries, such as the Philippine National Anthem and the Negros Oriental Hymn. Notable speakers included Shaquille T. Teves, the Liga Negros Oriental President and Barangay Chairman, who emphasized the essential role of barangay leaders in reinforcing grassroots governance during his welcome remarks.
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Supportive messages were also delivered by key figures, including Dumaguete City Councilor Melissa Sagarbarria, PCL Negros Oriental President Bruno G. Bouffard III, and Farah Diba G. Gentuya, the Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Their contributions underscored the collaborative effort between local government units in shaping the community’s future.
Technical Sessions and Policy Discussions
The second day commenced with technical sessions aimed at equipping participants with valuable knowledge and skills. Among the featured sessions, Farah Diba G. Gentuya presented “Leadership Lessons from Women Champions: Anti-Epal Policy,” which focused on governance accountability and ethical practices in public service. These discussions were pivotal in promoting gender equality and enhancing the effective delivery of local governance.
Following this, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Hillton John V. Edrial delivered an insightful presentation on the Safe Spaces Act, which aims to protect individuals from gender-based violence. Additionally, the session covered gender-fair language and frameworks for Gender and Development and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
An engaging session on sustaining peace and enhancing disaster resilience was conducted by Lt. Col. Elmar Salvador, the commanding officer of the 82nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. The discussions also included gender sensitivity training and development of Gender and Development (GAD) planning at the barangay level, facilitated by DILG officer Klin C. Mendez. Moreover, DILG Program Manager Jaqueline T. Barilea led a session focusing on the functionality of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and audits of the Barangay Peace and Order Councils (BPOC).
The day concluded with an open forum where participants engaged in discussions to clarify various policy and implementation concerns, further fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
Evening Activities and Networking Opportunities
The evening of March 27 featured a dinner program designed to promote networking among attendees. It included intermission segments, raffles, and opportunities for informal discussions among barangay leaders from various municipalities in Negros Oriental. This social component of the assembly is crucial for building relationships and sharing best practices among local officials.
Final Day: Provincial Council Meeting
The assembly reached its conclusion on March 28, with participants convening for a Provincial Council Meeting. This meeting was integral in summarizing the outcomes of the assembly and planning future activities aimed at enhancing local governance structures. Following the meeting, participants checked out of their accommodations at noon, wrapping up the three-day event.
Importance of Local Governance Initiatives
The Liga ng mga Barangay plays an essential role as a nationwide organization representing local barangay officials. Through various assemblies, the Liga aims to synchronize local governance initiatives with national policies, address pressing issues, and foster leadership development among barangay leaders. Initiatives like this assembly help tackle the operational challenges that barangays face, particularly regarding disaster preparedness and gender equality.
According to the Liga ng mga Barangay, such gatherings provide necessary technical support and guidance to barangay officials, enhancing their capacity to serve their communities effectively. As local officials engage with national policy frameworks, they can implement more informed and effective governance structures that respond to the unique needs of their constituents.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Community Resilience
The outcomes of this assembly will have lasting implications for the communities involved. By reinforcing the significance of integrating gender responsiveness and disaster resilience into barangay governance, participants are better positioned to address local challenges effectively. Future assemblies and ongoing training initiatives are expected to deepen the knowledge and capabilities of barangay leaders, contributing to more resilient and empowered communities throughout Negros Oriental.
In conclusion, the Liga ng mga Barangay’s assembly in Boracay underscored the importance of collaboration, education, and effective governance at the grassroots level. As local leaders return to their respective barangays, the insights and alliances formed during this event are likely to foster progress in local governance and improve the overall welfare of the constituents they serve.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas
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