Performance of executive powers among punong barangays in Benguet

Abstract

The study is focused on the presentation and analysis' of the performance level of powers and functions among punong barangays in Benguet. Along this line, the problems encountered in the performance of powers and functions were identified. The foregoing areas considered, their corresponding implications on local governance were brought out. The study sought to present the performance :level of executive powers among punong barangays in Benguet. Specifically, the study is concerned with the questions: What is the performance level of executive powers of the punong barangays in: a. agricultural barangays, and b. non-agricultural barangays? What are the problems encountered in the performance of powers by the punong barangays in a. agricultural barangays, and b. non-agricultural barangays? 3. Is there a significant difference between the performance level and the problems encountered by the punong barangays in agricultural and non-agricultural barangays in the following areas: a. enforcement of laws; b. delivery of basic services; c. cooperative undertakings; d. preparation of budget; e. human resource development; f. local legislation, and g. judicial administration? The study covered 40 punong barangays as respondents. They are classified into two categories: agricultural punong barangays (35) and non-agricultural punong barangays (5). Data had been gathered using performance checklists, self-administered questionnaires and, interviews. The performance of powers and the problems encountered thereon were presented and analyzed within the purview of R.A. 7160 respecting the barangays. The data gathered were treated using statistical tools like frequency counts and ranking. The same data were further tested using t-test and Friedman Rank Test. The performance level of powers by the punong barangays is descriptively average. This is true in both agricultural and non-agricultural barangays. Specifically, the punong,; barangays are moderately low in the enforcement of laws. cooperative undertakings, human resource development and local legislation. But they are above average in the delivery of basic services, preparation of budget and judicial administration. The top most problems encountered by the punong barangays in the perfcTmance of their powers are inadequacy of funds and resources, inadequacy of training and expertise, lack of support from the higher levels of government and from the residents. These problems are present in both groups of harangays. In particular, inadequacy of funds is the outstanding problem. The data gathered and analyzed in this study disclosed the following conclusions: 1. The performance level of executive powers in both agricultural and non-agricultural barangays is the same. Hence, the economic status of the barangays does not affect the performance of powers. 2. Except in the area of human resource development, the problems encountered by the punong barangays in the performance of powers are the same in both categories of barangays. Therefore, the economic condition of the barangays is immaterial to the performance of powers. 3. There is no significant difference between the performance level and the problems encountered by the punong barangays in agricultural and non-agricultural barangays, except in human resource development insofar as the problems are concerned. 4. Inadequacy of funds is a major problem in the governance of the barangays. Based on the foregoing findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are offered: 1. There is a need to upgrade and improve the performance level of powers by the punong barangays in Benguet, specifically in the areas of enforcement of laws, cooperative undertakings, human resource development and barangay legislation. 2. There is a need to increase the financial resources of the barangay government so that the punong barangays will perform their powers and functions more effectively. 3. Similarly there is a necessity to improve and enhance the linkages between and among barangay governments, other LGUs, NGOs and POs. 4. Finally, there is a need to upgrade the knowledge of the punong barangays in local governance. The study is limited to the descriptive analysis of the performance level of executive powers and the Problems encountered thereon by the punong barangays. Therefore, the following are recommended areas for further study: 1. Performance of legislative powers and the problems encountered thereon by the members Of the sangguniang barangays. 2. Performance of powers and functions and the problems encountered by appointive barangay officials like the secretary and treasurer. 3. Performance of powers in the barangays of other provinces particularly in the Cordilleras. 4. Overall administrative capability of the barangay governments to deliver basic services.