Kagawads

Kagawad is the term used for a member of the sanggunian, the legislative council of a barangay in the Philippines. A barangay is the smallest local government unit, and its sanggunian is responsible for enacting ordinances and resolutions, approving the barangay budget, and overseeing the executive functions led by the punong barangay (barangay captain).

Composition and role: The regular sanggunian typically comprises seven kagawads who, together with the punong barangay, govern the barangay. Kagawads may form committees and serve as sectoral or area representatives within the council, addressing matters such as infrastructure, health, education, peace and order, and finance. They work to translate national and local policies into barangay-level programs and resolutions, and they monitor the implementation of barangay projects.

Election and term: Kagawads are elected through barangay elections held every three years. They must be residents and registered voters of the barangay, generally at least 18 years old on election day. A kagawad may serve up to three consecutive terms, after which a break is required before seeking another term.

Relationship to other bodies: The kagawads operate within the framework of the Local Government Code of the Philippines, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of the sanggunian. The Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) operates separately within the same barangay, and interacts with kagawads on programs affecting younger residents.

Legal basis: The position and functions of kagawads are established by the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) and related amendments, making them a core element of local governance at the barangay level.