In its continued commitment to strengthen barangay justice systems across Eastern Visayas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 brought together five of the region’s top-performing Lupong Tagapamayapa for the “SILAW Pillar 1 (MAARAM) โ Special Episode: DocuSmart: Elevating LTIA Documentation for Award-Winning Performance” capacity-building activity on June 23-27, 2025.
The activity was piloted in five barangays, namely:
โข Barangay Poblacion Zone 20 in Baybay City, Leyte
โข Barangay Barugohay Norte in Carigara, Leyte
โข Barangay Poblacion District II in Babatngon, Leyte
โข Barangay Bool West in Culaba, Biliran
โข Barangay Magallanes in Limasawa, Southern Leyte.
The Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) of the DILG Region 8 spearheaded the activity under the guidance of Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe. LGMED Division Chief Jhonel M. Aรฑavesa and LTIA Regional Focal Person LGOO IV April Jo E. Castillo provided practical guidance on improving case documentation and adopting effective documentation practices. These efforts aim to enhance the efficiency, credibility, and award-readiness of the Lupons.
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and other administrative support materials were also distributed during the activity to further support barangay-level advocacy and awareness on the Katarungang Pambarangay.
In line with his guidance on institutionalizing quality justice practices at the grassroots, Regional Director Agabe emphasized the vital role of documentation in advancing peace and order:
โProper documentation is not just a matter of complianceโit is a cornerstone of justice. When Lupons are equipped to record proceedings clearly, fairly, and consistently, we strengthen public trust in our barangay justice system. These practices not only speed up dispute resolution but also prepare our Lupons to excel in national recognition platforms like the LTIA. More importantly, they reinforce the culture of peace and accountability at the grassroots level.โ
The activity aligns with the Strategic Initiative for Lupons’ Advancement and Welfare (SILAW) program and forms part of the DILG’s thrust toward capacity development and localized good governance by ensuring that barangays are equipped with the skills and competencies to effectively utilize community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
By equipping Lupong Tagapamayapa with these enhanced competencies, DILG Region 8 reaffirms its mission to build โMatino, Mahusay, at Maaasahangโ local governmentsโempowering communityโbased institutions at the front lines of peacebuilding and justice delivery.
