CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — To recognize exemplary practices in community-based peacebuilding and conflict resolution, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) honored Central Luzon’s best lupong tagapamayapa.
Held during the 3rd annual PAGMAYA: Pagpupugay sa mga Natatanging Pamahalaang Lokal na Kaagapay sa Kalinisan at Kapayapaan Awards on October 8 at Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, the event showcased the commitment of barangays to upholding justice and harmony within their communities.
Barangays recognized in the program demonstrated fairness, accountability, and dedication in implementing the Katarungang Pambarangay or barangay justice system, which helps communities settle disputes peacefully and maintain order at the grassroots level.
DILG Assistant Secretary for Local Government Jessie Howard Lanete commended the barangays for their integrity and compassion in public service.
“Public service is not about being perfect—it is about being accountable. Malinis dapat tayo, inside and out,” Lanete said.
For her part, DILG Regional Director Araceli San Jose lauded this year’s awardees for championing conflict resolution anchored on dialogue and understanding.
“Today, we celebrate more than just compliance. We honor commitment, courage, and conscience—the kind of leadership that transforms policies into purpose, and the kind of governance that renews people’s faith in the power of collective action,” she said.
For 2025, Barangay Barretto of Olongapo City emerged as regional winner in the highly urbanized city category, followed by Barangay Balibago of Angeles City as 1st runner-up.
In the component city category, Barangay Cupang Proper of Balanga City, Bataan was hailed as regional winner, while Barangay Tungkong Mangga of the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, and Barangay Sta. Ines of Mabalacat City, Pampanga placed 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
Barangay San Isidro of Subic, Zambales topped the 1st class municipality category, with Barangay O’Donnell of Capas, Tarlac as 1st runner-up and Barangay Balatong A of Pulilan, Bulacan as 2nd runner-up.
In the 2nd class municipality category, Barangay Pesa of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija was declared regional champion, followed by Barangay Bilolo of Orion, Bataan and Barangay Calantas of Casiguran, Aurora as 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
For the 3rd class municipality category, Barangay Omboy of Abucay, Bataan took the top spot, with Barangay San Isidro of San Luis, Pampanga as 1st runner-up.
Meanwhile, Barangay Santa Lucia of Samal, Bataan was recognized as the regional winner in the 4th class municipality category, followed by Barangay Camiing of Cabangan, Zambales and Barangay San Cristobal of Licab, Nueva Ecija as 1st and 2nd runners-up.
Finally, Barangay Poblacion Norte of San Clemente, Tarlac bagged the regional award for the 5th class municipality category, with Barangay Cabawangan of Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija as 1st runner-up.
The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards serves as the DILG’s recognition program for exemplary barangay justice committees.
It highlights the important role of the Katarungang Pambarangay in promoting innovation, transparency, and harmony in local conflict resolution. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
