NAGA CITY (PIA) – The Local Government Unit of Lagonoy conducted 2 sets of training sessions dubbed “Skills Enhancement Training on Katarungang Pambarangay Law. The first batch of trainees underwent the training from May 2 and 3, while the second batch of participants commenced their training on Monday, May 8, and wrapped up yesterday, Tuesday.

The first batch, composed of Lupon members from the North coastal barangays of the municipality, underwent the two-day training at Favorito's Hall in Goa, Camarines Sur. The remaining barangays were included in the second batch of trainees.

The participants were given lecture on organizational aspect, jurisdiction and venue, procedural aspect, Katarungang Brangay (KP) settlement execution, negotiation skills and conflict resolution, Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA), and Basic Rights of Children and Women with Emphasis on RA 9262.

As the basic political unit, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), believes that barangays shall be the “primary planning and implementing units of government programs,” thus the need for barangay officials to have a skill on how to handle matters concerning their constituents.

The DILG and the Liga ng mga Barangay provided full support to the LGU of Lagonoy's efforts to gather all Lupon members in two separate training sessions aimed at improving their abilities in handling concerns at the barangay level.

One of the highlights of the sessions is the discussion on KP settlement which focused on the role of the Lupon in ensuring that disputes are settled amicably either through mediation, conciliation or arbitration between the aggrieved parties.  This aims to decongest the courts with problems that can be resolved at the barangay level.

The speakers also refreshed the participant’s knowledge on Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which expanded the coverage and jurisdiction of the KP, also known as the Barangay Justice system.  This is to ensure that local officials, particularly the Lupon members are equipped to address the concerns of socio-economically deprived population or economically disadvantaged groups in seeking litigation support or legal advice.

The event was graced by the presence of DILG Camarines Sur Provincial Director Julius Rodel L. Cal-Ortiz, CESE and DILG, LGOO Vll Sheilame V. Villa, MLGOO Angeline E. Priolo, LGOO VI Nonilo A. Lopez, LGOO VI Joel A. Panaga Jr., LGOO V Ervin J. Belano, and LGOO II John Dave Barcelona who all served as speakers.  (With report from LGU Lagonoy, AFrancis, KBernadas-PIA 5/Camarines Sur)

Cover Photo credits: DILG Camarines Sur