THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of the Provincial Director, recognized and awarded the provincial winners of this year's Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA), and the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the year (Toboy). Among those who bagged the prestigious titles in the provincial level Wednesday at the JJ's Seafoods Village and Restaurant, in this city, were barangays Pooc Oriental and Pinayagan Norte of Tubigon. Pooc Oriental ranked second place in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA) 2009 Provincial Level Search for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities. The LTIA illustrates official recognition of the services of the Katarugang Pambarangay mediators and conciliators and give tribute to Lupons that have excelled in their performance in the implementation of the KP Law. It institutionalizes a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to Lupong Tagapamayapa, known as Lupons, which demonstrates exemplary performance. Emma Bangcoy, punong barangay and chairman of the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Pooc Oriental received the award. while. Esterlita Loresto, punong barangay of Pinayagan Norte was adjudged second placer in the Search for the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (Toboy) 2009 for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities. Among the provincial finalists who were also recognized at the provincial level were Barangay Kagawad of Matabao Enrique Larano and Barangay Secretary of Talenceras, Letecia Bulilan. MLGOO.

Ma. Sharon Marimon-Halasan facilitated the search at the municipal level and the documentation with the full support of the LGU officials. The annual search for Toboy is designed to give recognition to barangay officials of Region VII who have shown exemplary performance in the discharge of their functions. The program was jointly undertaken by the Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (LADPAAP) Region 7 chapter, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Liga ng mga Barangay of Region 7, with the support of benevolent parties/institutions that have offered to sponsor and help the program. The municipality of Tubigon will also recognize and award its provincial awardees and municipal nominees. A series of municipal awarding activities will also be conducted in the concerned barangays at the LGU being facilitated by the MLGOO. with the full support of the LGU officials. The municipal awarding was first scheduled last November 12, but was postponed due to official reasons thus, its was reset in Pinayagan Norte. The award was presented by lawyer. Luna Piezas and was witnessed by the barangay officials and its proud constituents. Punong Barangay Esterlita Loresto received the award together with the barangay officials. Pinayagan Norte was recognized as the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Model Barangay as being showcased during the Search for the Most Child Friendly LGUs. The Presidential Awards for the Most Child Friendly LGUs aims to institutionalize a child-friendly environment and governance in promoting and protecting children's right to survival, development, protection and participation. During the short program, Mayor Piezas delivered a message that inspired the barangays to continue to perform their task to serve the public well. )