Melchor Caras Espulgar

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Kanulay, Melchor Caras Espulgar presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, 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).

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the Punong Barangay leads the Sangguniang Barangay, signs ordinances and resolutions, represents the barangay in transactions with other government units, administers the barangay budget and appropriations, and oversees the Lupong Tagapamayapa that handles amicable settlement of disputes at the barangay level. The office is the most directly accountable elected position in the Philippine government.

Barangay Kanulay is one of 19 barangays in the municipality of Bagumbayan, in the province of Sultan Kudarat, in the SOCCSKSARGEN region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Kanulay had a population of 875 residents — the constituency that Melchor serves as Punong Barangay. Sultan Kudarat is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Elected through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Melchor Caras Espulgar is serving the current four-year term established under Republic Act No. 12232, which extended the barangay official's term from three years to four. The next BSKE will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, following COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Melchor Caras Espulgar 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.