March 29, 2024

Barangay Balili in Mankayan, Benguet is set to be divided into two barangays.
The sangguniang panlalawigan, in a proposed ordinance, sought for the subdivision of Balili into Balili North and Balili South.
“The subdivision into two basic political units is meant to effectively enhance and accelerate socio-economic programs, cultural advancement and well-being of the residents therein,” the proposal stated.
Barangay Balili North will then comprise of seven sitios namelyAm-am, Paykek, Pangkikan, Nalicob, Agaki, Sayapot, and Tanobong.
As for Barangay Balili South, it shall comprise of sitios namely Amadlem, Atayan, Ayosep, Bay-o, Busigan, Cabacab, Cada, Conacon, Dongen, Dasay, Esset, Macacawan, Mogao, Nabelngan, Naga-an, Pasnaan, Proper Balili, Soyosoyan, and Tam-awan.
To facilitate the division of the barangays, a plebiscite, which is a requirement under the Local Government Code, will be conducted within 120 days from the date of the effectivity of the ordinance and will be supervised by the Commission on Elections for the ratification of the barangay’s subdivision.
The provincial government shall also provide a subsidy of P2 million from its regular annual budget to cover the annual operating expenditures and capital outlays for the newly created Balili North.
Balili South shall continue to receive the internal revenue allotment of its mother Barangay Balili.
“The two barangays shall exercise all such powers and functions authorized under the local government code of 1991, decrees, orders, and other related laws,” the proposed ordinance stated. 
Under Section 385 of the LGC, a barangay may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially altered, by law or by an ordinance of the sangguniang panlalawigan for the creation of barangay located in a municipality, subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be conducted by the Comelec.
The ordinance is now on second reading. – Ofelia C. Empian