Written By: Ronie Jade C. Biosada

Zoom Teleconference – With a clear focus on readiness, clarity, and continuous improvement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX formally advanced the implementation of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) through the conduct of LTIA Excellene Fora (LEF) Season 3 Kick-off Part 2: LTIA C.H.E.C.K.L.I.S.T. 2026, on January 30, 2026, an activity designed to equip barangays with the tools needed for a more confident and organized assessment process.

Held via Zoom and simultaneously aired live on the Facebook, the activity brought together barangay officials, barangay secretaries, and members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa from across the region, ensuring that guidance on LTIA implementation reached both on-site participants and a wider online audience.

At the heart of the session was the introduction of the LTIA C.H.E.C.K.L.I.S.T. 2026, Compliance and Harmonization of Excellence-driven Criteria and Knowledge for Lupon Tagapamayapa Implementation, Standards, and Timelines 2026, a self-assessment tool that shifts the LTIA process from mere compliance to conscious preparation. Participants were guided through the five LTIA indicators, with emphasis on translating everyday Katarungang Pambarangay practices—such as case recording, meetings, and settlements—into properly documented and assessable outputs.

DILG Region IX highlighted that the checklist is not intended to find faults, but to help barangays see their own strengths, identify gaps early, and take corrective action while there is still time. Practical tips drawn from previous assessment cycles were shared, highlighting the importance of consistency, timely reporting, and complete documentation in achieving strong LTIA performance.

The session also encouraged barangays to take ownership of their readiness. Those able to achieve full compliance per indicator were invited to upload their accomplished checklists to a designated Google Drive repository, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and peer learning among barangays.

An interactive open forum allowed participants to seek clarification on scoring, evidence requirements, and assessment processes, with DILG Field Officers reaffirming their role as partners in coaching and technical assistance throughout the LTIA cycle.

Through this activity, DILG Region IX once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the quality of Katarungang Pambarangay implementation—building not only compliant barangays, but capable and competitive communities poised to perform with confidence in the national LTIA.