Merlyn Gales Antiga

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Concepcion, Merlyn Gales Antiga presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in City of Valencia, Bukidnon, 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 Concepcion is one of 31 barangays in the City of Valencia, in the province of Bukidnon, in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Concepcion had a population of 5,234 residents — the constituency that Merlyn serves as Punong Barangay. Bukidnon 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). Merlyn 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 Merlyn Gales Antiga 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.