Mesdie Lu-ang Jabel

Mesdie Lu-ang Jabel holds the position of Punong Barangay in Barangay Kilaban, a barangay in the municipality of Ayungon, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. As Punong Barangay, Mesdie leads the elected Sangguniang Barangay and represents the community's local government unit.

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 Kilaban is one of 24 barangays in the municipality of Ayungon, in the province of Negros Oriental, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Kilaban had a population of 744 residents — the constituency that Mesdie serves as Punong Barangay. Negros Oriental 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). Mesdie 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.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Mesdie Lu-ang Jabel leads — is the legislative body of a Philippine barangay. It passes barangay ordinances and resolutions, approves the annual barangay budget, and exercises oversight over the barangay's programmes and projects. Its composition includes the Punong Barangay, seven kagawads, the SK Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, all accountable directly to residents.