Arlyn Cuta Japitan

Arlyn Cuta Japitan is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay Mahanub, part of the municipality of Baganga in Davao Oriental, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. Under Philippine law, the Punong Barangay is directly elected by the residents of the barangay.

As the head of the smallest tier of Philippine local government, the Punong Barangay is responsible for everything from maintaining peace and order within the barangay to supervising the Barangay Development Plan, enforcing national and local laws within the barangay boundaries, and representing residents in the wider city or municipal government. The position is held for a four-year term under Republic Act No. 12232.

Barangay Mahanub is one of 18 barangays in the municipality of Baganga, in the province of Davao Oriental, in the Davao Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Mahanub had a population of 4,462 residents — the constituency that Arlyn serves as Punong Barangay. Davao 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). Arlyn 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 Arlyn Cuta Japitan 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.