The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) in Iloilo is preparing to scale up two flagship initiatives—the Barangay Aid on Wheels and Kaibigan mo ang Liga—to extend legal assistance, training, and welfare support to more grassroots officials and workers.
LnB Iloilo president and ex-officio Board Member Amalia Victoria Debuque said the Barangay Aid on Wheels program, launched in 2024 with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Iloilo Chapter and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), will be expanded to provide training for the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa and barangay tanods.
“This is just an umbrella project. In the future, we want not only to deliver free legal consultations but also to strengthen the Lupon and tanods through training, so they can handle disputes and maintain peace more effectively,” Debuque told reporters.
The program has already reached four municipalities, assisted by up to five volunteer lawyers and law students.
Debuque said the long-term plan is to cover all 42 municipalities and one component city in Iloilo, bringing legal aid, health services, and DILG programs directly to the barangays.
At the same time, the Liga intends to widen the coverage of Kaibigan mo ang Liga, a welfare program that provides burial, medical, and hospital assistance to barangay officials.
“It’s not a big amount, but it’s enough to help them get by. Once more funds are raised, we want to include volunteer workers like barangay health workers and service point officers as beneficiaries,” she added.
Debuque underscored that both programs aim to address gaps in resources and support for barangay leaders, who remain at the frontlines of governance but often lack access to legal aid and welfare benefits.IMT
