Eldeponso Irene Alibay JR.

Eldeponso Irene Alibay JR. is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay Cabang, part of the municipality of Hinabangan in Samar, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. Under Philippine law, the Punong Barangay is directly elected by the residents of the barangay.

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 Cabang is one of 21 barangays in the municipality of Hinabangan, in the province of Samar, in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Cabang had a population of 344 residents — the constituency that Eldeponso 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, Eldeponso Irene Alibay JR. 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, Eldeponso Irene Alibay JR. is accountable to the residents of Barangay Cabang 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.