Cristita D. Espedilla

Cristita D. Espedilla is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay Upper Caynaga, part of the municipality of Lope De Vega in Northern Samar, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. Under Philippine law, the Punong Barangay is directly elected by the residents of the barangay.

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 Upper Caynaga is one of 22 barangays in the municipality of Lope De Vega, in the province of Northern Samar, in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Upper Caynaga had a population of 250 residents — the constituency that Cristita serves as Punong Barangay. Northern Samar is classified as a 2nd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Cristita 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.

As an elected Philippine public official, Cristita D. Espedilla is accountable to the residents of Barangay Upper Caynaga 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.