Daisy E. Pomento & Ronalyn D. Mata

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Starting Point

Daisy E. Pomento and Ronalyn D. Mata are members of the Barangay Budla-an, Cebu City. 

They are members of the Lupon ng Barangay, also known as the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, or Lupon for short. The Lupon is a key component of the Barangay Justice System (Katarungang Pambarangay) in the Philippines. This system aims to resolve community disputes before they escalate to formal court proceedings. It serves as a mediator, helping to settle conflicts between individuals in a cost-effective and accessible manner, providing an alternative to the often expensive and time-consuming court process.

Peace Journey

The Lupon is led by the Punong Barangay (Barangay Captain) and comprises 10 to 20 respected community members chosen for their integrity. These members assist in mediating disputes, typically involving civil matters such as property disputes, minor injuries, or family conflicts. It provides a platform for parties to resolve issues amicably. Any agreements reached are documented and carry the same legal weight as court judgments. If mediation fails, the Lupon may proceed with arbitration, where a smaller group, called the Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo, renders a binding decision.

Its authority is limited to civil disputes and minor criminal offences. It does not handle cases related to national security, government disputes, or matters requiring urgent judicial action. This system plays a crucial role in reducing the caseload of the formal court system by addressing simpler cases at the district level, promoting swift, peaceful resolutions, and maintaining community harmony. Certain cases, such as those involving government officials or urgent criminal acts, are exempt from district conciliation. Overall, the Lupon ng Barangay plays a vital role in fostering unity and cooperation within the community while alleviating the burden on the formal judicial system.

Success Stories

The women peace mediators in the community are widely recognised as vigorous advocates for peace. Through their work, they demonstrate their commitment to community development by serving as law-abiding citizens and setting an example for others to follow. As female leaders and peacemakers, they take pride in showing that leadership is not limited to men, and that women today are equally empowered and capable of leading and managing communities. They firmly believe that both men and women should have equal opportunities to lead and make a positive impact.

As volunteers, these women mediators are dedicated to making fair decisions. They emphasise the importance of unbiased representation, continually expanding their knowledge, and exercising patience to bring about change in their communities.

Barangay Tabok and Barangay Budla-an, where the women came from, were recognised for their outstanding performance in dispute resolution during the 2021 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Regional Recognition in Central Visayas. Their exemplary work in resolving disputes at the grassroots level earned them recognition as regional winners after a thorough review by the LTIA Regional Awards Committee. These districts were commended for their contribution to easing the burden on the formal court system, helping the government save billions of pesos. Each case that the Lupon successfully settled at the district level resulted in an estimated savings of P9,500 in adjudication costs, highlighting the financial impact of their work in promoting peace and resolving conflicts at the community level.