In a continued effort to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of barangay justice, the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Olongapo City Chapter, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Olongapo City, successfully conducted a capacity development training titled Strengthening Barangay Justice System: A Skills Enhancement Seminar on Katarungang Pambarangay. The three-day seminar was held on February 19-21, 2025, at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

 The training aimed to equip KP actors, including Punong Barangays, Barangay Secretaries, and appointed Lupon Members, with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively mediate, conciliate, and resolve disputes at the grassroots level. By enhancing their competencies, the initiative contributes to the broader goal of decongesting court dockets and fostering grassroots conflict resolution.

LnB President Hon. Priscila B. Ponge underscored the significance of the training, emphasizing its role in empowering Lupon members to serve their constituents more effectively. City Director Zotico Gerson A. Villanueva, Jr. set the tone for the seminar by facilitating an engaging expectation-setting session, encouraging participants' active involvement and commitment throughout the training.

The seminar featured a comprehensive lineup of lectures and interactive sessions. LGOO VI Fernando M. Erese Jr. provided an in-depth discussion on the organization, duties, and responsibilities of the Lupon. LGOO III John Carlo M. Vergara elaborated on the Scope of Authority, Rules on Venue, and the Nature of Cases under the Katarungang Pambarangay. In the afternoon session, LGOO V William Philip R. Villena delved into the Katarungang Pambarangay proceedings, followed by LGOO III Vergara's presentation on KP Administrative Requirements and LGOO VI Erese's discussion on the Enforcement of Settlement Agreements and Arbitration Awards. The day concluded with a synthesis session led by City Director Villanueva, reinforcing key learning points.

The second day of training focused on the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA), presented by City Director Villanueva, along with a coaching session for the participants. The discussions then shifted to significant legal frameworks, including Republic Act (RA) 7610, RA 9262, and the process and administration of Barangay Protection Orders, presented by LGOO III Vergara, LGOO VI Erese, and LGOO V Villena, respectively. The day ended with an open forum and synthesis session to clarify participants' queries and insights.

On the final day, participants applied their learnings through role-playing exercises, critique sessions, and feedback discussions. City Director Villanueva provided final instructions, ensuring that participants were well-equipped to implement their newfound knowledge in their barangays. Hon. Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. also graced the event, expressing his full support for the initiative and reaffirming the city government's commitment to strengthening barangay justice. A post-training assessment was conducted, with top-performing participants receiving tokens of recognition for their achievements. The seminar concluded with closing remarks from LnB President Ponge and final instructions from City Director Villanueva.

This capacity-building initiative underscores the steadfast commitment of DILG Olongapo City, the LnB Olongapo City Chapter, and the City Government of Olongapo to continuously enhance barangay justice administration, ensuring a more effective and accessible system for community dispute resolution.