IBA, Zambales — The Department of Interior and Local Government in Zambales (DILG-Zambales) has announced the successful conduct of assessment among various Lupong Tagapamayapa qualifiers in the province on March 19 to 21.

This consisted of a two-day onsite validation and one-day table validation of the nine competing barangays coming from different municipalities.

The activity aimed to assess and evaluate the efficiency and performance of the Lupong Tagapamayapa in fulfilling their mandated roles, ultimately recognizing those that exemplify excellence in barangay-based dispute resolution.

Chaired by DILG-Zambales, the PAC members composed of representatives from the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO), Department of Justice (DOJ), Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Zambales Chapter, and Mike Delta Force Intelligence and Communication Group as civil society organization (CSO), reviewed and assessed the means of verification (MOVs) submitted by the barangays.

Barangays across different income class categories vied for the LTIA recognition. In the 1st Class Municipalities Category, Barangays San Isidro (Subic) and San Rafael (San Marcelino) competed for the top spot.

For the 2nd Class Category, Barangays Zone V (Iba) and San Nicolas (San Antonio) showcased their exemplary dispute resolution.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Class Category featured Barangays Libertador and Poblacion (Candelaria), along with Barangays San Nicolas and Buenavista (Castillejos).

In the 4th Class Category, Barangay Camiing (Cabangan) was the sole qualifier.

Top-performing barangays will move forward to the regional level for the next phase of LTIA assessment to showcase their commitment in effective dispute resolution.

LTIA not only serves as a means to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, but also encourages continuous improvement of the barangay justice system. — Erixburg Johnrick P. Calilong