Maria Gina Zabala Ogalinola

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Del Pilar, Maria Gina Zabala Ogalinola presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Viga, Catanduanes, 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 Del Pilar is one of 31 barangays in the municipality of Viga, in the province of Catanduanes, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Del Pilar had a population of 423 residents — the constituency that Maria serves as Punong Barangay. Catanduanes is classified as a 3rd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Maria 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 Maria Gina Zabala Ogalinola 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.