As part of the celebration of the 149^th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Pio Valenzuela, the City Government of Valenzuela and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Valenzuela City recognized several Lupong Tagapamayapa in the city during the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) 2018 Awarding Ceremonies held at the Valenzuela City Center for the Performing Arts Auditorium (VCCPA), July 9.

Due to their efficiency in settling disputes and practicing effectively the goals of Katarungan Pambarangay (KP) in their respective communities, Barangay Maysan was hailed as the 2018 Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in the city followed by the Lupong Tagapamayapa of barangays Lawang Bato, Canumay East, Mapulang Lupa, and Tagalag which made-up the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runners-up respectively.

According to Mr. Sergio N. de Leon, Lupong Tagapamayapa President of Barangay Maysan from 2013 to 2017, and currently its administrator, shared how their group performed their responsibilities to their residents.

“Ang aming trabaho ay nilagyan namin ng pagmamahal [at] malasakit sa aming kabarangay. Kaya naging ganyan ang aming pananaw kasi 'yung pagtulong sa kapwa [ang] nanaig sa amin [at] ang kapatiran (We put our hearts in our work and we care for our fellowmen since humanity and brotherhood prevail in our group),” Mr. de Leon said.

The winners received certificates, trophies, and cash prizes worth Php 40,000 for the city winner, Php 25, 000 for the 1st runner-up, Php 20, 000 for the 2nd runner-up, Php 10, 000 for the 3rd runner-up and Php 5,000 for the 4th runner-up.

Certificates of appreciation were also given to the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangays of Palasan, Bagbaguin, Karuhatan, Marulas, Arkong Bato, and Pulo.

Lupong Tagapamayapa in every barangay is responsible in resolving arguments among parties through peaceful and efficient manners. It is composed of the Punong Barangay, who will act as the chairperson, and 10 to 20 members of the community.

The Lupong Tagapamaya Incentives Awards (LTIA) is an annual search which aims to strengthen the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP), to create greater awareness and support from different sectors of Philippine Society and to acknowledge the outstanding performances and contributions of the Lupong Tagapamayapa in settling conflicts in the society.