Local Government Units: the Barangay

The baragnay is the basic political unit of the Philippines and serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects and community activities. It is also the forum where the people's collective views are brought out and where disputes can be settled amicably.

Barangays are created, merged, abolished substantially altered in its boundaries either by a law or an ordinance passed by the provincial (in case of a municipality) or city sanggunian. The law or ordinance, however must be approved in a plebiscite held by COMELEC in the LGU concerned. In case the barangay is created, etc. by the provincial sanggunian, there must be a recommendation by the municipal sanggunian for that purpose.

Requirements:

1.) Contiguous territory with a minimum population of 2,000 inhabitants (certified by the NSO) or 5,000 in case highly urbanized cities as well as cities and municipalities within the NCR (the creation of a new barangay must not reduce the population of the previous one)

2.) Territorial jurisdiction must be clearly defined, taking into consideration natural boundaries (rivers, lakes, etc.)

3.) A contiguous territory isn't necessary if the barangay consists of 2 or more islands

Barangays may be created within indigenous cultural communities by law in order to facilitate the delivery of basic services.

The governor or city mayor can prepare a consolidation plan for the barangays within his/her jurisdiction and submit it to the appropriate sanggunian for appropriate action. For municipalities within the NCR, the municipal mayor can do the same thing and submit the plan to the municipal sanggunian.