Benjamin Mataverde Arellano

Benjamin Mataverde Arellano is the current Punong Barangay of Barangay Gimagaan in Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. The position — also commonly referred to as Barangay Captain — is the elected head of the barangay'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 Gimagaan is one of 51 barangays in the municipality of Donsol, in the province of Sorsogon, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Gimagaan had a population of 1,749 residents — the constituency that Benjamin serves as Punong Barangay. Sorsogon 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). Benjamin 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 Benjamin Mataverde Arellano 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.