01/09/2026
๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐-๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
Strengthening grassroots mechanisms for accessible and responsive justice, the Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Tarlac, successfully conducted a province-wide Katarungang Pambarangay Training from August 24 to 27, 2026.
With the support of Governor Christian Tell A. Yap, the initiative capacitated local officials and community leaders on the legal foundations, procedures, and mediation mechanisms of the Katarungang Pambarangay, reinforcing their capacity to facilitate the peaceful and efficient resolution of disputes within their communities.
The four-day capacity development activity was implemented in four batches to ensure the participation of local government units across the province. The first batch was conducted on August 24 at the Camiling Sports Complex for San Clemente, Santa Ignacia, Mayantoc, and Camiling, the first batch was graced by Board Member, Hon. Pearl E. Pacada and Santa Ignacia Vice Mayor Hon. Francis Ponce Candelario, followed by the second batch on August 25 at the San Manuel Cultural Center for Anao, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, and San Manuel.
The third batch was held on August 26 at DIWA ng Tarlac for San Jose, Gerona, Victoria, and Tarlac City, while the final batch on August 27 covered Bamban, Capas, Concepcion, and La Paz.
The training brought together expertise from the local governance, justice, and law enforcement sectors. DILG Tarlac Provincial Director Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva, CESO V, together with LGOO VII Dennis A. Daquiz and LGOO VII Renalyn D. Iglesias, served as resource persons and provided guidance on the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay.
They were joined by prosecutors Kriselle Joy M. Unico, Almeda Sakima P. Vinluan, and Cristina S. Lenon of the Department of Justice; PMaj Geoffrey V. Enrado of the Philippine National Police; and Judge Edwin S. Bonifacio of the Regional Trial Court. Legal guidance was likewise provided by Public Attorneyโs Office lawyers Atty. Luke F. Catay, Jr., Atty. Imelda C. Manipon-Gabirel, Atty. Minerva V. Gabriel-Sahagun, and Atty. Septfonette Fe D. Balusdan-Cuison.
The collaborative undertaking highlights the importance of a whole-of-government approach in strengthening local justice mechanisms, ensuring that barangay officials are equipped not only with knowledge of the law but also with the competencies necessary to promote peaceful, fair, and community-based dispute resolution.
Through initiatives such as this, PGT and DILG Tarlac continue to advance capable and responsive local governance, bringing effective public service and accessible justice closer to the people, one barangay at a time.
