TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – The Provincial Government of Tarlac, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), recognized outstanding municipalities and barangays during the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) ceremony held on August 26, at the Bulwagang KanLahi of the Diwa ng Tarlac.
The LTIA, a flagship program of the DILG, aims to honor barangay committees or “lupons” that have demonstrated excellence in implementing Katarungang Pambarangay and actively promoting orderly, swift, and peaceful resolution of local disputes within their communities.
Governor Christian Yap led the awarding ceremony, which was attended by DILG Tarlac Provincial Director Zotico Gerson Villanueva, LGOO VII Dennis Daquiz, LGOO VII Renalyn Iglesias, and representatives from the Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, Regional Trial Courts, and Public Attorney’s Office.
The event recognized barangays that have shown exceptional performance in their Lupong Tagapamayapa, particularly in promoting effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms at the community level.
Additional recognition was given to other municipalities that stood out in implementing Katarungang Pambarangay, while other participating barangays will receive their corresponding awards in subsequent scheduled ceremonies.
Alongside the awarding ceremony, a Katarungang Pambarangay Training was conducted to equip local officials and community peacekeepers with the necessary knowledge and skills to properly resolve disputes at the barangay level, helping reduce the number of cases brought before the courts.
Governor Yap congratulated the award-receiving barangays and underscored the importance of the training in strengthening community-based dispute resolution.
“Congratulations sa mga munisipalidad at inyong nasasakupang barangay sa parangal na inyong natanggap mula sa DILG,” the governor said.
“Mahalaga para sa atin na ang ating mga barangay officials ay may sapat na kaalaman at kumpiyansa sa pagharap sa mga usaping legal sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he added.
Gov. Yap also emphasized that peacekeeping is not solely the responsibility of the police, but also of barangay officials and tanods in maintaining order.
“So tulungan na ‘yon, kaya kailangan ay updated kayo sa mga bagong kaalaman, sa mga bagong procedures na nakapailalim sa ating mga batas sa barangay official,” the governor stressed.
He further noted the importance of early intervention through counseling and proper management of loose firearms to prevent incidents similar to school shootings seen in other areas.
“Kaya maaga pa lang, pwede nang magkaroon ng counseling or intervention, especially dun sa management of loose firearms dito sa ating probinsya,” Gov. Yap said.
The governor also stressed the need for proactive crime prevention, particularly regarding school safety and loose firearms. He called for early intervention and the establishment of a universal safety and crime prevention system to maintain peace and order across the province.
The Provincial Government of Tarlac, under the leadership of Governor Yap and Vice Governor Lita Aquino, continues to support and strengthen programs aimed at reinforcing peace, order, and good governance in barangays across the province.
