ILOILO – More than 13,000 barangay officials from across Iloilo province gathered on Aug. 24 for the Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay’s “Liga Day”, a massive show of grassroots unity that also celebrated outstanding local governance and community achievements.
The event, held at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City, brought together leaders from 42 municipalities and one component city under the theme “Sa tunga sang paglaum kag pangduha-duha, isa kita” (Amid hope and uncertainty, we are one).
Highlighting the program was the conferment of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB) to seven exemplary villages in the province.
Barangays awarded were San Juan Crisostomo in Anilao; Agboy Norte, Binolbog, and Igcadios in Leon; Pagsanga-an and Ungka II in Pavia; and Gines Nuevo in San Enrique.
The SGLGB recognizes barangays that exemplify transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in governance.
Liga ng mga Barangay Iloilo Chapter president and ex-officio Provincial Board member Amalia Victoria Debuque called the gathering a reaffirmation of the Liga’s support for officials.
“Our theme reflects our commitment to the Provincial Liga, demonstrating that our officials can always rely on their Provincial Liga Office for support,” she stressed.
Debuque also unveiled key Liga programs, including Barangay Aid on Wheels, which extends free legal aid through a partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the DILG, and Kaibigan mo ang Liga, which provides medical and burial assistance to barangay officials.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. underscored the barangay’s central role in development. “Whether in agriculture, commerce, education, or disaster management, all initiatives originate within the barangay. Prior to achieving substantial growth at the provincial and municipal levels, it is critical to establish a robust foundation,” he said.
Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque likewise praised barangay leaders, noting their “pivotal contributions to ensuring that provincial government services reach every corner of the communities.”
National Liga ng Barangay president Ma. Katrina Jessica Dy also addressed the gathering, urging support for the newly enacted Barangay Term Adjustment Law (Republic Act 122132), which lengthens barangay officials’ terms to strengthen grassroots governance.
The day featured sports competitions, raffle draws, cultural performances, and fellowship activities—marking the culmination of a month-long series of celebrations honoring community service and barangay achievements./PN
