Gov. Lacson highlights role of Lupon in barangay justice

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson has emphasized the vital role of barangay officials and Lupong Tagapamayapa members as “frontliners of community-based justice” during the culmination of the province’s seventh Transformative Mediation Training–Workshop.

Held from November 24–26, 2025, at Negros Residences in Bacolod City, the training reflects the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots conflict-resolution mechanisms.

Lacson said the province’s continued investment in mediation and peacebuilding skills helps sustain harmony at the barangay level by empowering Lupon members to resolve disputes before they escalate to higher courts.

He stressed the value of fair, balanced, and well-informed mediation, noting that the program provides barangay leaders with critical tools for resolving conflicts effectively and equitably.

The latest training batch included participants from the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Binalbagan, bringing to 14 the total number of local government units that have benefited from the province’s mediation and barangay justice enhancement efforts.

The three-day workshop focused on building capacity in conflict analysis, reframing, effective communication, negotiation strategies, and structured mediation techniques, all grounded in the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) Law.

Participants engaged in simulation exercises led by Mr. Ed A. Jalbuena of the Mediation Network, Inc., which allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical barangay conflict scenarios.

Board Member Atty. Hope Maret Depasucat-Sason of the 3rd District offered a light but meaningful message, urging participants to shift from being “Marites—‘Mare, ano ang latest?’” to “Marisol—‘Mare, ano aton solusyon?’” in line with the training’s goal of fostering responsible, solution-oriented mediation.

Board Member Rita M. Gatuslao of the 5th District stressed the importance of dialogue over division and encouraged barangay leaders to promote calm, fair, and inclusive dispute resolution based on trust and communication.

The training was organized by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), headed by Officer-in-Charge Benja Lucasan, as part of Negros Occidental’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots institutions and advance participatory, people-centered governance.