Leonarda Morgia Dabalos

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Bitaugan, Leonarda Morgia Dabalos presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Antequera, Bohol, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. The Punong Barangay is a nationally recognised local government position under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160).

The Punong Barangay is the chief executive of the barangay, the smallest and most local unit of government in the Philippines. Duties under Section 389 of RA 7160 include enforcing barangay ordinances, organising and leading an emergency response team, calling and presiding over sessions of the Sangguniang Barangay, maintaining public order through the Lupong Tagapamayapa (peace council), and supervising the delivery of basic services to residents.

Barangay Bitaugan is one of 21 barangays in the municipality of Antequera, in the province of Bohol, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Bitaugan had a population of 592 residents — the constituency that Leonarda serves as Punong Barangay. Bohol is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Leonarda currently holds office under the mandate established by the October 30, 2023 BSKE. The next BSKE, at which this position will again be contested, is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026.

As an elected Philippine public official, Leonarda Morgia Dabalos is accountable to the residents of Barangay Bitaugan and must comply with the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), and other national laws. Barangay officials are required to file Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and are subject to the oversight of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Ombudsman.