Eleven barangays across Central Luzon have been awarded the prestigious Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award for their outstanding contributions to the barangay justice system, also known as Katarungang Pambarangay.

This recognition highlights their success in maintaining peace and order in their communities through effective dispute resolution. In the 1st to 3rd class municipalities category, Barangay Mulawin in Orani, Bataan, took the top honor. Barangay Calantas in Casiguran, Aurora, and Barangay Pesa in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, claimed second and third places respectively.

For 4th to 6th class municipalities, Barangay Sta. Lucia in Samal, Bataan, received the highest award, followed by Barangay Poblacion Norte in San Clemente, Tarlac, and Barangay Camiling in Cabangan, Zambales.

In the component cities category, Barangay Cupang Proper in Balanga City, Bataan, earned first place, while Barangay Sto. Rosario in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and Barangay Tungkong Mangga in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, secured second and third places.

Barangay Barretto in Olongapo City was named the top barangay in the highly-urbanized city category, with Barangay Balibago in Angeles City as runner-up.

Central Luzon villages recognized for excellence

DILG Regional Director Anthony Nuyda praised the awardees, describing them as “embodiments of good governance” whose efforts to foster peace and order serve as a benchmark for other local governments. “As we move forward, let us remain committed to peaceful communities. Together, we can build a thriving Central Luzon, safe and conducive to growth,” he said.

Director Debbie Torres of the DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision also commended the winners, calling them true public servants and stressing that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and security. “Peace is where people feel safe, heard, and respected, and it serves as the foundation of a prosperous community,” she emphasized.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards program was established to recognize barangays that excel in grassroots dispute resolution. Winners were chosen based on operational efficiency, effectiveness in achieving the katarungang pambarangay objectives, and the creativity of mediators in handling cases. Awardees received certificates and cash prizes, with first placers receiving P50,000, second placers P30,000, and third placers P20,000.

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