Rowel Fortaleza Fernandez

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Lower Omon, Rowel Fortaleza Fernandez presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Ragay, Camarines Sur, 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).

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 Lower Omon is one of 38 barangays in the municipality of Ragay, in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Lower Omon had a population of 1,803 residents — the constituency that Rowel serves as Punong Barangay. Camarines Sur is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Rowel Fortaleza Fernandez 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, Rowel Fortaleza Fernandez is accountable to the residents of Barangay Lower Omon 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.