Bernesita Silvederio Ruelo

Serving as Punong Barangay of Barangay Libertad in Cawayan, Masbate, Bernesita Silvederio Ruelo is currently in the 2023 - 2026 term. The Punong Barangay is the most senior elected official of a Philippine barangay and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of local services.

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 Libertad is one of 37 barangays in the municipality of Cawayan, in the province of Masbate, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Libertad had a population of 1,118 residents — the constituency that Bernesita serves as Punong Barangay. Masbate is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Bernesita Silvederio Ruelo was elected to office in the most recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), which took place on October 30, 2023. Under Republic Act No. 12232, barangay officials elected in 2023 serve four-year terms, meaning the current mandate runs until 2026. The next BSKE is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, per COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Bernesita Silvederio Ruelo 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.