Marilou Ellanita Diaz

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Sidmon, Marilou Ellanita Diaz presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Gandara, 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 Sidmon is one of 69 barangays in the municipality of Gandara, in the province of Samar, in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Sidmon had a population of 300 residents — the constituency that Marilou serves as Punong Barangay. Samar is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Elected through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Marilou Ellanita Diaz is serving the current four-year term established under Republic Act No. 12232, which extended the barangay official's term from three years to four. The next BSKE will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, following COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.

As an elected Philippine public official, Marilou Ellanita Diaz is accountable to the residents of Barangay Sidmon 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.