House bill seeks major funding boost for barangays

REP. Rodante Marcoleta has filed House Bill No. 9400 seeking to provide direct financial support to barangays nationwide.

The landmark proposal is seen to uplift local communities, especially in fourth and fifth-class municipalities, by reallocating underutilized government funds to local government units.

Marcoleta said HBN 9400 targets to strengthen local governance and empower barangay officials. He cited a recent study showing that only 12 percent of the nearly 42,000 barangays in the country can operate sustainably, with the majority facing severe financial challenges.

He also noted that many barangay captains receive as little as P5,000 per month in honoraria, a disparity that extends to auxiliary staff such as barangay tanods, health workers, and Lupon Tagapamayapa members.

These financial limitations, Marcoleta said, hinder the delivery of essential services and undermine effective local governance.

HBN 9400 proposes the establishment of the Barangay Affairs and Development Fund, which will be sourced from the “sleeping” funds of various government agencies.

The fund would provide direct financial assistance to priority barangays, particularly in less affluent municipalities.

The bill also calls for the creation of the Barangay Affairs and Development Commission, which will oversee the fund’s distribution, standardize the salaries of all barangay officials, and ensure long-term community sustainability.

“By empowering barangay officials with both financial resources and capacity-building initiatives, we will enable them to better serve their communities,” Marcoleta said, adding: “With widespread support from fellow lawmakers and no significant opposition, I am urging Congress to expedite the bill’s approval to bring meaningful and lasting change to barangays across the country.”