Search for outstanding "lupon" in Mandaue is on

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Interior and Local Government has announced that a search for the outstanding "lupong tagapamayapa" in Mandaue City is on.

DILG officer Joaden G. Lucero said the search is dubbed as "Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA) 2010."

To join, anyone or any group can submit the names of nominees citing the basis in a form of writing and submit this to the DILG office located at the Mandaue City Hall.

Lucero said a panel of judges will select one which would then compete in the regional (Central Visayas) search. The winner here will compete in the national search.

Lucero said the lupong tagapamayapa is an important component of the "Katarungang Pambarangay" or the barangay justice system. 

The lupon is a barangay-based group of arbitrators chaired by the barangay captain.

It is composed of ten to 20 arbitrators chosen by their good community standing. They are tasked to arbitrate contending parties for offenses involving a penalty of one year imprisonment and below and a fine of P5,000 and below.

In the first level, the case is arbitrated by the barangay captain and if he fails to amicably settle the conflict, it will be elevated to the 'pangkat,” a three-man committee with the barangay captain as the presiding officer and two arbitrators chosen by the contending parties from the lupon.

One of the two arbitrators will act as a secretary and the other one as member.

If the "pangkat" fails to resolve then the aggrieved party may now file a case in the court.

The barangay through an ordinance may impose a filing fee from the aggrieved parties to be used as honorarium of the arbitrators.

Anyone of any group can nominate on the basis of the following criteria per DILG Memorandum Circular 2008-2002: efficiency in operation; effectiveness in securing KP objectives; and creativity and resourcefulness of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

"This award strengthens the Katarungang Pambarangay as an indigenous conflict resolution structure at the grassroots," Lucero said.

She said the search will also generate greater awareness among and support from the various sectors of Philippine society on the KP as a potent vehicle towards social ordering and human development.

Lucero said deadline for submission is today, October 14. For more information, one can call numbers 422-8696, 346-07646. (FREEMAN)