Genevieve Abuyan Catolico

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Libaba, Genevieve Abuyan Catolico presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Palauig, Zambales, 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).

As the head of the smallest tier of Philippine local government, the Punong Barangay is responsible for everything from maintaining peace and order within the barangay to supervising the Barangay Development Plan, enforcing national and local laws within the barangay boundaries, and representing residents in the wider city or municipal government. The position is held for a four-year term under Republic Act No. 12232.

Barangay Libaba is one of 19 barangays in the municipality of Palauig, in the province of Zambales, in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Libaba had a population of 896 residents — the constituency that Genevieve serves as Punong Barangay. Zambales is classified as a 2nd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Genevieve Abuyan Catolico was elected to office in the most recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), which took place on October 30, 2023. Under Republic Act No. 12232, barangay officials elected in 2023 serve four-year terms, meaning the current mandate runs until 2026. The next BSKE is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, per COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Genevieve Abuyan Catolico 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.