Elvira Tigranes Cerbito

As Punong Barangay of Barangay D. Mercader, Elvira Tigranes Cerbito presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Catubig, Northern Samar, 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).

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 D. Mercader is one of 47 barangays in the municipality of Catubig, in the province of Northern Samar, in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay D. Mercader had a population of 576 residents — the constituency that Elvira serves as Punong Barangay. Northern Samar is classified as a 2nd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Elvira 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, Elvira Tigranes Cerbito is accountable to the residents of Barangay D. Mercader 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.