Barangay Kagawad

A Barangay Kagawad, abbreviated as "Kgwd.", is an elected government official who is a member of the Sangguniang Barangay (Filipino, "Barangay Council") of a particular barangay, the smallest political unit in the Philippines. Formerly called konsehal ("councilor"), a barangay kagawad participates in the governance and activities of the barangay together with the other kagawads, the Punong Barangay ("Barangay Captain") and the members of the Sangguniang Kabataan ("Youth Council"). There are seven^[1] barangay kagawads in each barangay who are ranked according to the number of votes they had received in an electoral process exercised by registered voters in a particular barangay.

Term of office

Similar to a Punong Barangay, a Barangay Kagawad is allowed by Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, to have a maximum of three 5-year terms (adjusted from 3 years to 5 years by virtue of Republic Act 8524 amending Section 43 of Republic Act 7160).

Functions and responsibilities

Barangay Kagawads are mandated to function as the legislative workforce of the barangay. They function in a similar manner as their counterparts in Congress and the Senate as kagawads are expected to create and sponsor barangay resolutions and ordinances. For this reason, basic knowledge of the law is required and is expected of each barangay kagawad in order to perform their mandated responsibilities.

A kagawad, as a member of the sangguniang barangay, should also ensure to provide their constituents with basic services such as peace and order, formulating measures to eradicate drug addiction, maintain barangay-owned properties and infrastructures, maintain cleanliness and beautification of the community and to promote the well being of the youths.

Barangay Kagawads are also expected to assist the Punong Barangay in performing his or her function.

As per the purpose of the revised penal code, the punong barangay, members of sangguniang barangay and members of the lupong tagapamayapa are considered persons in authority within their areas of jurisdiction.

References

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