Ian Ajoc Bernadez

Ian Ajoc Bernadez holds the position of Punong Barangay in Barangay Santa Cruz, a barangay in the municipality of Batuan, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. As Punong Barangay, Ian leads the elected Sangguniang Barangay and represents the community's local government unit.

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 Santa Cruz is one of 15 barangays in the municipality of Batuan, in the province of Bohol, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Santa Cruz had a population of 1,305 residents — the constituency that Ian 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). Ian 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, Ian Ajoc Bernadez is accountable to the residents of Barangay Santa Cruz 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.