DILG Barotac Viejo Iloilo

27/03/2026

25/03/2026

24/03/2026

Barotac Viejo Advances Good Governance Through 2026 Panghimanwa and SGLG Assessment

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo – March 24, 2026

The Municipality of Barotac Viejo successfully conducted the 2026 *Panghimanwa* and Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment on March 24, 2026, at the People’s Hall, reinforcing its steadfast commitment to excellence in public service and transformative local governance.

The activity opened with an inspiring message from Vice Mayor Vivian Buenavista, who emphasized that the municipality’s efforts go beyond merely complying with awards and indicators. She underscored that the true measure of success lies in the tangible and lasting impact of programs and services on communities, as well as in the sustained growth and development of the local government unit (LGU).

Municipal Administrator Romulo Barameda formally welcomed the assessment team, led by Cluster Head LGOO VII Natalie Grace Azaraga and Lemery MLGOO LGOO VI Danilo Pedrajas. The presence of the assessors highlighted the importance of the evaluation process in ensuring accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in governance.

The assessment centered on the ten (10) governance areas of the SGLG, namely:

1. Financial Administration and Sustainability
2. Disaster Preparedness
3. Social Protection and Sensitivity
4. Health Compliance and Responsiveness
5. Sustainable Education
6. Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness
7. Safety, Peace and Order
8. Environmental Management
9. Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts
10. Youth Development

These core areas serve as benchmarks in evaluating the overall performance of LGUs and their ability to deliver inclusive, efficient, and citizen-centered services.

Vice Mayor Buenavista reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Barotac Viejo to uphold the principles of good governance, highlighting the collective efforts of local officials, department heads, and stakeholders in achieving meaningful progress.

The *Panghimanwa* initiative, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo in partnership with the Province of Iloilo through the Iloilo Provincial Local Governance Resource Center (IPLGRC), is a localized governance strengthening program. It aims to capacitate LGUs, promote knowledge-sharing, and enhance performance in alignment with national standards such as the SGLG. Through this initiative, municipalities like Barotac Viejo are provided with guidance and technical support to continuously improve service delivery and governance outcomes.

The successful conduct of the assessment reflects Barotac Viejo’s proactive stance in embracing innovation, accountability, and community-focused governance—solidifying its position as a model LGU committed to sustainable and inclusive development.

04/03/2026

Strengthening the Role of Civil Society Organizations in Local Special Bodies

On March 3, 2026, Civil Society Organizations convened at Casa Mariquita Resort for a capacity-building activity aimed at enhancing their knowledge on participatory governance in Barotac Viejo. This is a specialized training wherein the priority topics were identified based on the training needs assessment conducted on January 2026

In his message, Mayor Nielo “Bongbong” C. Tupas emphasized the empowerment of CSOs and their crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. He also provided updates on the municipality’s economic initiatives, citing the quickly growing number of investors in Barotac Viejo. Vice Mayor Vivian Buenavista reaffirmed the legislative branch’s support for stronger collaboration with civil society. SB Member Honielette Engada was likewise present, manifesting the Sangguniang Bayan’s continued support for institutionalized CSO participation.

The activity overview was delivered by MLGOO Aaron S. Andaya, who contextualized the initiative within the mandate of strengthening CSO representation in Local Special Bodies and enhancing participatory mechanisms in local governance. The MLGOO also discussed Development in the LGU context and the role of CSOs emphasized active civil society engagement in planning and decision-making processes. Volunteerism and the role of CSOs during adversities was presented by Ms. Lalaine Baticbat-Dura of the MDRRM Office, highlighting organized community response during disasters. Peace and order concerns in the municipality were discussed by PCPT Francis S. Batallones, OIC-Chief of Police, encouraging CSOs to collaborate in crime prevention and community safety initiatives. Meanwhile, Ms. Fermay L. Pabriaga, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, tackled communication skills and types of leaders, underscoring effective representation and responsible leadership within Local Special Bodies.

The activity concluded with an open forum and feedbacking session that allowed participants to raise concerns, clarify processes, and propose ways to further strengthen CSO participation. In her closing message, Ms. Minda T. Baleña, President of the Barotac Viejo Federation-CSO, expressed appreciation for the initiative and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to proactive and responsible engagement in local governance mechanisms.

The activity concluded with an open forum and a renewed commitment from participants to sustain meaningful CSO engagement in Local Special Bodies, further advancing transparent, inclusive, and development-oriented governance in Barotac Viejo.

23/02/2026

21/02/2026

Ikahibalo Kada Sabado:

Kinahanglan ang barangay nga magpatigayon sang duha ka Barangay Assembly kada tuig.

Ginahiwat ini kada bulan sang Marso kag Oktubre.

Sa Barangay Assembly:
• Ginapresentar ang report sa pondo, plano kag accomplishments
• Ginadiskusyonan ang mga programa kag isyu sang barangay
• May kahigayunan ang pumuluyo nga magpamangkot kag maghatag suhestyon

Ginamando ini sang Local Government Code of 1991.

Mangin ginagiyahan: DILG Memorandum Circular 2026-012.

20/02/2026

February 20, 2026

A consultative meeting was held today to address the issues and concerns of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Officers. The discussion was lead by Mayor Nielo “Bongbong” Tupas, LYDO Karmela Capote - Banaynal , SK Federation President Kurt Denzel Damires , LnB President Jesus Balila, Legal Officer Atty Jeyan Chin and MLGOO Aaron S Andaya.

Discussions focused on the performance and requirements needed from Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. Other concerns includrd strengthening of drug prevention initiatives in the municipality, preparations for the upcoming barangay assembly, and measures to enhance youth safety and protection.

20/02/2026

20/02/2026

READ | DILG devolves GAD budget review to LGUs, accelerates gender programs nationwide

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has rolled out a faster and more streamlined system for reviewing Gender and Development (GAD) plans and budgets, strengthening the capacity of local governments to deliver gender-responsive programs where they are needed most.

Through a nationwide training program, the DILG equipped LGU GAD focal points with the tools and standards under PCW-DILG-DBM-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-01, which updates the guidelines for localizing the Magna Carta of Women and deepening gender mainstreaming across local governments.

The updated framework sharpens LGU accountability by strengthening GAD Focal Point Systems, improving gender analysis and planning, institutionalizing GAD databases, and promoting the use of gender audits to ensure that programs are evidence-based and results-oriented.

A major reform under the new guidelines is the devolution of the GAD plan and budget (GPB) review process. Barangays will submit their GPB to cities/municipalities, while component cities and municipalities will now submit their GPB to provinces. Regional Offices will continue to review the GAD Plans and Budgets of provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities, including all LGUs within NCR.

To reinforce transparency and fiscal discipline, LGUs are now required to use the online Gender and Development Plan and Budget Monitoring System, enabling more efficient tracking, reporting, and evaluation of GAD fund utilization.

With support from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality Program, the DILG also launched a nationwide Training of Trainers to build a pool of local experts who will standardize implementation and provide technical support across regions.

Participants were further trained on the use of the Harmonized GAD Guidelines Design Checklist to strengthen the planning and review of programs and projects addressing gender issues while ensuring alignment with national and local development priorities.

A total of 269 LGU practitioners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao completed the training and are now positioned to lead the rollout of the revamped GAD budget review mechanism in their respective local governments.

The DILG said the reforms reinforce its commitment to accountable, data-driven, and inclusive local governance, consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that public funds deliver measurable impact for communities.

20/02/2026

February 18, 2026

The incoming Officer-in-Charge, Chief of Police, PCPT Francis S. Battallones, together with MLGOO Aaron S. Andaya, paid a coordination visit to Mayor Nielo “Bongbong” Tupas to discuss prevailing concerns on peace and order and public safety within the Municipality of Barotac Viejo.

In a separate engagement, outgoing Chief of Police PCPT Jojo A. Octavo rendered his courtesy exit and conveyed his appreciation to the Municipality for its continued support to the Philippine National Police.

20/02/2026

February 18, 2026

The Municipality of Barotac Viejo convened a meeting of the Committee on Public Safety and Traffic Management to deliberate on key concerns related to traffic regulation and enforcement. The agenda focused on the implementation of traffic control measures, the systematic apprehension of traffic violators in accordance with existing ordinances, and the strategic planning of public safety and traffic-related activities for the first semester of 2026, among other pertinent matters.

20/02/2026

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