Advisers

Dexter C. Pon, RCrim, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

The barangay is also recognized as the smallest political unit in the country. Moreover, the barangay is the first line of service delivery for the public, as well as the maintenance of peace, order, and safety. With the enactment of the Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, the Sangguniang Barangay has the power to create community brigades or positions to implement public service through the provisions of Section 387 of the Local Government Code of 1991. The study used a quantitative descriptive survey design with 50 respondents: 40 community members and 10 brigade personnel selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire validated by experts. After permission was obtained from barangay officials, the survey was administered and retrieved. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and a four-point Likert scale were used to analyze respondents’ assessments. Most respondents were young adults; women predominated among resident respondents, while men predominated among brigade personnel. Both groups rated the Barangay Auxiliary Brigade as efficient, effective, and adaptable, although brigade personnel gave higher assessments. ANOVA showed significant differences in efficiency and effectiveness but not in adaptability. Major challenges included traffic congestion, weak communication systems, and limited resources. An enhancement plan was proposed to improve training, equipment, coordination, and community awareness. Most respondents were young adults, had college-level education, and were long-term residents, while brigade personnel were mostly male. The Barangay Auxiliary Brigade was generally rated as efficient, effective, and adaptable in emergency response. However, traffic congestion, weak communication systems, limited equipment, insufficient manpower, and heavy workloads affected performance. The study recommended improvements in mobility, communication, training, and resource allocation.

Keywords

emergency response, First Responder, Barangay Respond