TWO barangays in Pampanga's fourth district won in this year's provincial search for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA).
Barangay Balucuc in Apalit town won the LTIA under the first- and third-class municipality category, while Barangay Sta. Rita in Minalin town won under the fourth- to sixth-class municipality category.
The LTIA aims to provide motivation to other lupons (committees) in improving their overall performance in furtherance of Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) concerns, as well as to strengthen the efficacy of the KP as an indigenous conflict-resolution structure at the grassroots.
The award also extends appreciation and recognition to lupon tagapamayapa, whose exceptional service delivery performance has significantly contributed to the attainment of the objectives of the KP and to generate awareness among and support from the various sectors of the Philippine society on the KP as a potent vehicle toward social ordering and human development.
Governor Dennis Pineda personally handed to the officials of the winning barangays P50,000 cash incentive each with Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Myrvi Fabia over the weekend.
Liga ng mga Barangay Pampanga Chapter president Renato Mutuc and current barangay chairman of Balucuc revealed that this is the fifth time that their village won the title in the provincial level.
Mutuc said this was made possible through the cooperation of the Lupong Tagapamayapa and residents in solving disputes in the barangay level.
In line with the function of barangay officials mandated under Republic Act 7160 or the "Katarungang Pambarangay," barangay officials or "Lupong Tagapamayapa" have the power and authority to abbreviate and mediate disagreement before disputes are raised on higher courts.
Barangay Balucuc and Barangay Sta. Rita will represent the province in the next level of the LTIA.
The implementation of the LTIA conducted pursuant to Executive Order 394 and DILG Memorandum Circular 92-15 dated July 8, 1992 which aims to accord officials and tribute to lupon for exemplary performance in the implementation of Katarungang Pambarangay.