Walter Baul Tuga

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Simbalan, Walter Baul Tuga presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte, 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 Simbalan is one of 25 barangays in the municipality of Buenavista, in the province of Agusan Del Norte, in the Caraga region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Simbalan had a population of 5,445 residents — the constituency that Walter serves as Punong Barangay. Agusan Del Norte is classified as a 3rd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Walter 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 Walter Baul Tuga 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.