Iloilo: The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) in Iloilo province is hoping to expand its ‘Barangay Aid on Wheels’ program to assist local officials in handling legal issues in their locality. LnB Iloilo president and ex-officio Board Member Amalia Victoria Debuque said they would also like to include in the program the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa and members of barangay tanod or village security.

According to Philippines News Agency, Debuque shared her vision of the ‘Barangay Aid on Wheels’ as an umbrella project, with plans for future training for Lupon ng Tagapamayapa and tanod. She emphasized their collaboration with multiple departments and agencies to expand the initiative. Launched in 2024, the program is a joint effort with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Iloilo chapter and the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Iloilo.

Debuque highlighted that this ongoing project aims to visit all 42 municipalities and one component city, delivering health, legal assistance, and DILG programs and services closer to the barangays. The program’s significance lies in providing legal assistance to barangay officials who lack financial resources.

So far, the initiative has reached four municipalities, with more local government units scheduled for inclusion. During these activities, they are accompanied by a team of up to five lawyers and law students.

In addition to the ‘Aid on Wheels,’ there are plans to expand the ‘Kaibigan mo ang Liga’ program, which offers burial, medical, and hospital aid to barangay officials. Debuque noted that while the aid is not substantial, it provides essential support.

She also mentioned the possibility of extending benefits to volunteer workers, such as barangay health workers and barangay service point officers, contingent on securing additional funds in the future.