The city government here has chosen Barangay 1 San Lorenzo as this year’s best-performing lupong tagapamayapa (peace committee), with a rating of 95 percent, for demonstrating exemplary performance in settling disputes at the grassroots or village level.

The most outstanding lupon received a cash prize of PHP25,000 and a plaque of recognition.

Mayor Michael Keon, who led the awarding ceremony in front of the city hall on Wednesday in time for the city’s 59th Charter Day celebration, lauded the efforts and commitment of village officials as well as members of the lupong tagapamayapa (peacemakers), for their support and cooperation in making the city peaceful and livable.

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication in supporting the city government’s thrusts, especially when it comes to the maintenance of peace and order in your respective barangays,” he said.

In receiving the award, Barangay 1 San Lorenzo village chief and peace committee chairperson Manny Morales said he is happy that the village has gained from their effort.

“With this, we are inspired to be more competent and to implement good governance not just in our barangay but for the whole city of Laoag,” he said.

Barangay 1 San Lorenzo has been a consistent provincial winner under the component city category for its best practices in maintaining peace and order in the community.

Its lupon addresses misunderstandings in the village such as rumormongering, land disputes, family relationships, and money, through the so-called “la casa” technique to let complainants write down whatever they want to say when they arrive at the Lupon office.

According to the Lupon officers, the technique works best in cases of conflict with families or neighbors, so that when they face off, the complainant feels better and calmer after writing down his or her feelings.

Another technique is the use of biblical verses, teachings, and parables flashed on a digital screen to condition the minds of both parties.

The lupon also ensures its creativity is complemented with efficiency measures, such as the observance of settlement procedures and settlement deadlines, the systematic maintenance of records, timely submission of reports to concerned agencies, and the conduct of monthly meetings exclusively on the barangay justice system. (PNA)