Jose Marie Leonard Jaleco Japitana

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Bigke, Jose Marie Leonard Jaleco Japitana presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Leganes, Iloilo, 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 Bigke is one of 18 barangays in the municipality of Leganes, in the province of Iloilo, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Bigke had a population of 714 residents — the constituency that Jose serves as Punong Barangay. Iloilo is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Jose 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 Jose Marie Leonard Jaleco Japitana 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.