Benjamin Ubalde Dela Cruz

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Villa Fermin, Benjamin Ubalde Dela Cruz presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Echague, Isabela, 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 Villa Fermin is one of 64 barangays in the municipality of Echague, in the province of Isabela, in the Cagayan Valley region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Villa Fermin had a population of 921 residents — the constituency that Benjamin serves as Punong Barangay. Isabela is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Benjamin Ubalde Dela Cruz 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 Benjamin Ubalde Dela Cruz 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.