Imelda Vale Sario

Imelda Vale Sario is the current Punong Barangay of Barangay Buyo in Polangui, Albay, Philippines, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. The position — also commonly referred to as Barangay Captain — is the elected head of the barangay's local government unit.

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 Buyo is one of 44 barangays in the municipality of Polangui, in the province of Albay, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Buyo had a population of 1,045 residents — the constituency that Imelda serves as Punong Barangay. Albay is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Imelda Vale Sario 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.

As an elected Philippine public official, Imelda Vale Sario is accountable to the residents of Barangay Buyo 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.