LAOAG CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has named Barangay 1 San Lorenzo as this year’s best-performing lupong tagapamayapa (peace committee) for its exemplary performance in settling grassroots disputes.
The urban village, which has a population of 6,104, earned a 98-percent rating to become the regional winner under the Independent Component Cities category. The DILG Regional Office 1 released the results of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) assessment on April 13, 2026.
The city government of Laoag lauded the commitment of village officials and peacemakers on Wednesday, citing their role in keeping the city peaceful and livable.
“This award manifests that through unity and good governance, we shall achieve success,” the city government said in a statement.
Barangay 1 San Lorenzo Village Chief and Peace Committee chairperson Manny Morales told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that innovative mediation techniques and a digitized filing system helped the village secure the top spot after being a first runner-up from 2023 to 2025.
The village’s lupon utilizes the “la casa” technique, which allows complainants to write down their grievances upon arrival to help them feel calmer before mediation begins. The committee also uses digital screens to flash biblical verses and parables to condition the minds of conflicting parties.
Beyond creative mediation, the village ensures efficiency through strict observance of settlement deadlines, systematic record-keeping, and monthly meetings dedicated to the Katarungang Pambarangay (Barangay Justice System).
Also winning at the regional level is Barangay Mabuti in Marcos, Ilocos Norte, which topped the 2nd Income Class Municipalities category with a rating of 96.5 percent. Both villages will represent Ilocos Norte at the national level.
The LTIA is a DILG program that provides incentives to lupons that demonstrate excellence in indigenous mediation. The program highlights the effectiveness of the barangay justice system in resolving local conflicts without the need for court litigation.