Joel Rafallo Gamaya

Joel Rafallo Gamaya is the current Punong Barangay of Barangay Basirang in Tudela, Misamis Occidental, 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.

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 Basirang is one of 33 barangays in the municipality of Tudela, in the province of Misamis Occidental, in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Basirang had a population of 1,321 residents — the constituency that Joel serves as Punong Barangay. Misamis Occidental 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). Joel 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.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Joel Rafallo Gamaya 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.