BALER, Aurora – To further evaluate the effectiveness of dispute resolution strategies and techniques implemented by the Lupong Tagapamayapa and to determine their adherence to the prescribed guidelines set by the DILG, the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Regional Assessment Team conducted a on-site assessment on April 23, 2019 at Brgy. Umiray, Dingalan – provincial entry of Aurora at the regional level.
Prior to the on-site evaluation, the assessment team headed by LGOO II Ladislao B. Puno III from DILG RO 3 (LGMED); with Mr. Mario H. Lingat, Representative of Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV); LGOO II Jonnie L. Glorioso, DILG Aurora LTIA Provincial Alternate Focal Person; Mr. Llhoyd Parungao, LGMED IT Officer; together with LGOO VI Hannah Marie O. Agas, MLGOO-Dingalan; and ADA III Elizalde T. Gonzales, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Shierwin H. Taay, Municipal Mayor of Dingalan, Aurora. Mayor Taay said that he takes pride for the achievement of Brgy. Umiray. According to him, “Brgy. Umiray might be considered as the farthest barangay in the municipality but being the provincial entry for 2019 LTIA to the regional level, under 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities category, indicates that the Lupong Tagapamayapa members are very committed and dedicated in the delivery of their duties and functions. I’m truly happy that we are working together to promote good local governance in the service of the whole constituency”.
LGOO II Puno said that they are conducting on-site assessment not to find faults in the implementation of Katarungang Pambarangay Law in the settlement of disputes between and among the constituents within the barangay, but more so to improve the implementation process.
Based on the evaluation, proper coordination with concerned agencies and the creativity and resourcefulness of the Lupong Tagapamayapa are the areas that need improvement. Ms. Liza M. Dandan, Lupon Secretary, said that they have coordinated with concerned agencies for inquiry purposes only and not for the referral of disputes or cases filed. It was also noted that the Lupon did not introduce new techniques or methods of mediation and they are only using methods that are already utilized by other Lupons.
Mr. Lingat suggested to the Lupon that it would be better if they would have a suggestion box to gauge their clients’ satisfaction. Hon. Juanito R. Borreo, Punong Barangay/Lupong Tagapamayapa Chairperson, agreed on the idea and he believes that the same will serve as their guide to improve their service in providing assistance to disputing parties to come up with amicable settlement.
LGOO II Glorioso also added that improving the service also means responding to and providing the needs of the community. Further, she stated that the prestige of being recognized as one of the outstanding Lupons within the region, under any category, is already a “bonus” to the barangay. At the end of the day, what really matters is the trust and satisfaction of the clients that they can also rely on the Lupong Tagapamayapa in the implementation of impartial barangay justice system.
After the evaluation, PB Borreo expressed his appreciation to the assessment team for the guidance that they have imparted. He also added that they will enhance their capacities to partake in the attainment of peaceful and safe community through the promotion of good local governance at the grassroots level.
