Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 394)
The Katarungang Pambarangay system is a community-based dispute resolution mechanism for amicably settling interpersonal disputes at the barangay level without judicial recourse. It was created under Presidential Decree No. 1508 dated June 11, 1978.
Lupong Tagapamayapa or Lupon are bodies empowered to mediate, conciliate, and/or arbitrate disputes in the barangay as part of the Katarungang Pambarangay system to promote the speedy administration of justice.
The awards are categorized as follows: a) Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Highly-Urbanized Cities; b) Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Component Cities; c) Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in First to Third Class Municipalities; d) Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Fourth to Sixth Class Municipalities.
The National Awards Committee is composed of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government as Chairperson, the Secretary of the Department of Justice as Vice-Chairperson, members including the National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay, a Representative from the National Peace and Order Council, and two private sector/NGO representatives. A Supreme Court representative may also be invited.
Functions include initiating and coordinating award activities, setting guidelines and criteria for winner selection, organizing awards committees at all levels, securing funding and prizes, selecting national awardees from regional nominees, proclaiming awardees, and planning and implementing awarding ceremonies.
For the 1996 Awards, funding came from the President's Social Fund with specified amounts for operations and cash awards. Subsequent funding is incorporated into the annual budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with possibilities of additional funding from committee member agencies and the private sector.
Each national awardee receives a Presidential Trophy and a development grant of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱300,000). Regional awardees each receive a Fifty Thousand Pesos (₱50,000) development grant and a special plaque.
Section 406b of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160) mandates the Department of the Interior and Local Government to grant economic or other incentives to outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa.
Executive Order No. 394 took effect immediately upon its signing on January 22, 1997.