KP Training

AS THE evaluating team for the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards carries on with the assessment of the performance of the barangays with regards to the application of the Katarungang Pambarangay law for cases within the jurisdiction of the barangays, the team noticed that there were several procedural aspects where the barangay officials are having difficulty with. Evaluating team chairperson Pros. Ruth Bernabe cited that the Katarungang Pambarangay law is really difficult to follow especially for non-lawyers because of its complexities. However, with the proper training and workshop, coupled with the dedication to serve, the lupon will be able to have a grasp of the proper procedures to be employed.

Dedicating a chapter composed of 23 sections in the Local Government Code, the crafters of the law intended the Katarungang Pambarangay to be a mandatory obligation of the barangays, that failure to constitute such could lead to dereliction of duties on part of the barangay officials.

Finding it one of the important roles of the barangays, the Liga ng mga Barangay headed by its president Hon. Joel Alangsab decided to hold a training workshop exclusively for the lupon members for the 128 barangays. However, due to the limited funding, only 3 lupon members per barangay could be accommodated at this time. Hon. Joel Alangsab noted that training for 3 members of the lupon for a start would be better than not having any training at all. Relying on self-reading and interpretation of the sections provided for under the Katarungang Pambarangay law could be misleading as the person reading it may have a different interpretation of the law and might not be able to properly follow the proper procedures that should be undertaken. Such technicalities on procedures undertaken in settling a dispute within the barangay might lead to the outright dismissal of the case when filed in court, and may likewise subject the lupon members to administrative charges.

The KP Training is in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Baguio and the City Prosecutors Office. Dir. Evelyn Trinidad, DILG Baguio City Director will discuss on administerial procedures while Pros. Ruth Bernabe will be the main lecturer on the Katarungang Pambarangay Law. A half day workshop will likewise be conducted to give the lupon members an experience and discussion on dealing with actual cases.

A separate training for the punong barangays have likewise been scheduled but such will focus more on handling VAWC cases and the issuance of a barangay protection order (BPO).

The districts were divided to four separate batches to ensure that the participants will be able to absorb the lectures and that each would be able to participate in the workshop and discussions. The first batch will be held on March 1, 2013 (Friday), 8:00 am-5:00 pm, to be held at the BCPO Multi-purpose Hall. The participating barangays are barangays from District 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, namely: Gibraltar, Mines View Park, Pacdal, Pucsusan, St. Joseph, Village, Cabinet Hill-Teachers Camp, DPS Compound, Engineers Hill, Greenwater, Marcoville, Gabriela Silang, Hillside, Lower Dagsian, Scout Barrio, Sta. Escolastica, Upper Dagsian, Balsigan, BGH Compound, Burnham Legarda, Ferdinand, Imelda Marcos, Phil-Am Compound, Sto. Rosario, City Camp Central, City Camp Proper, GEFA, Lower Rock Quarry, Middle Rock Quarry, Palma-Urbano, and Upper Rock Quarry.

The second batch will be held on March 5, 2013 (Tuesday), 8:00 am-5:00 pm, to be held at the SP Session Hall. The participants for the second batch are barangays from District 16, District 14, District 12, District 19, and District 8. The punong barangays from the above-mentioned districts are scheduled for training on March 6, 2013 (Wednesday), 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at the SP Session Hall, Baguio City. Hon. Alangsab enjoins the lupon of the concerned barangays to participate in the said training for them to gain the proper knowledge and skills.