Remy Donghao Returban

Remy Donghao Returban is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay Mapalasan, part of the municipality of La Libertad in Negros Oriental, 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 Mapalasan is one of 29 barangays in the municipality of La Libertad, in the province of Negros Oriental, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Mapalasan had a population of 660 residents — the constituency that Remy serves as Punong Barangay. Negros Oriental is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Elected through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Remy Donghao Returban 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.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Remy Donghao Returban 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.