PGMA confers awards to 2008 outstanding lupong tagapamayapa

Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay East Tapinac in Olongapo City was the first runner-up in the Highly Urbanized Cities category

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led yesterday (Wednesday, Aug. 12) the conferment of awards on the 2008 outstanding barangay dispute-mediator councils or lupong tagapamayapa for exemplary performance in promoting peace, harmony and solidarity in their areas of responsibility.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Katangawan in General Santos City was adjudged Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in the Highly Urbanized Cities category while the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Washington in Surigao City won the Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Component Cities category.

Barangay Manggahan of Gen.Trias, Cavite, was Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in first-to third-class category while the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Panilao of Pilar, Bataan bagged the Most Outstanding Tagapamayapa in fourth-to sixth-class municipalities.

Each of the national winners received from the President a presidential trophy and a cash prize of P100,000 courtesy of the Department of Interior and Local Government and an additional trophy courtesy of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Inc.

The first runner-up in the Highly Urbanized Cities category was the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay East Tapinac in Olongapo City; Barangay Tuyo of Balanga City in Bataan --- Component Cities category; Barangay Libueg of Camiling, Tarlac--- first to third class municipalities category; and, Barangay Palo of Tampakan in South Cotabato---fourth to sixth class municipalities category.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Gusa of Cagayan de Oro City was second runner-up in the Highly Urbanized Cities category; Barangay Pedro Colina of Cotabato City—component cities category; Barangay Poblacion of La Trinidad Benguet—first to third class municipalities category category; and, Barangay Saytan of Pugo, La Union—fourth to sixth class municipalities category.

Each of the first and second runners-up received a presidential plaque of appreciation and cash prize of P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Washington of Surigao City was elevated to the Hall of Fame for being the national winner for three consecutive years. It received P100,000 cash and a presidential trophy from the Department of Justice and the Philippine Gaming Corporation.

The recognition of outstanding lupong tagapamayapa is in compliance with Executive Order No. 394 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos, in pursuant to Section 406b of the Local Government Code, which mandates the Department of the Interior and Local Government to grant economic and other incentives to outstanding Lupons.

The award is given in recognition of the commitment and dedication of the Lupons, which are the driving force in the promotion and implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay objectives. (OPS/PIA)