Iloilo targets June release of delayed tanod incentives

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Public Order and Security set on or before June 2026 as the target for releasing the delayed PHP 2,000 incentives for barangay tanods.

The timeline follows the committee hearing held Monday, Feb. 9, and depends on the timely submission of requirements by municipalities.

The hearing tackled an ordinance authored by 2nd District Board Member June S. Mondejar, the committee chair, granting benefits and incentives to barangay tanods and repealing Provincial Ordinance 2020-240.

Mondejar assured barangay tanods that the provincial government remains committed to releasing the incentive, which is normally distributed every December.

“We have gathered the concerned officials to discuss the issue so the financial assistance can be released on time. This is a testament that we are not neglecting them. We continue to look after them because the province values their voluntary efforts in maintaining peace and order,” he said in an interview.

More than 20,000 barangay tanods across the province are beneficiaries of the quarterly incentive provided by the provincial government.

The hearing was attended by provincial board members, officials from the Provincial Planning and Development Office and the Provincial Accounting Office, and other concerned departments, as well as representatives of the Liga ng mga Barangay and barangay tanods from various municipalities.

During the discussion, the committee identified delayed and incomplete documentary submissions from some municipalities as the primary cause of the delay.

Officials also cited typographical errors and improperly filled-out forms as recurring issues that slowed processing.

Tanods and Liga ng mga Barangay presidents also flagged the added financial and logistical burden on tanods from remote barangays who must travel to municipal offices to process incentive documents.

Mondejar said coordination with municipalities will continue to ensure compliance with requirements and meet the agreed timeline.

Barangay tanods are village-level volunteers who assist in maintaining peace and order and often support local governments and police in community patrols and public safety activities.