Dante Maquidato Cosep

Dante Maquidato Cosep is the current Punong Barangay of Barangay Silway 8 in Polomolok, South Cotabato, 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 Silway 8 is one of 23 barangays in the municipality of Polomolok, in the province of South Cotabato, in the SOCCSKSARGEN region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Silway 8 had a population of 12,814 residents — the constituency that Dante serves as Punong Barangay. South Cotabato is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Dante Maquidato Cosep 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 Dante Maquidato Cosep 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.