Competencies and Challenges of the Barangay Secretaries in the Local Government Unit of Dipolog City

Authors

  • Annalyn A. Yurong, MPA State Auditor, Commission on Audit (COA), LGAS-A – Zamboanga del Norte Audit Group, Philippines Author
  • Leo C. Naparota, PhD Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Criminal Justice Education, Andres Bonifacio College, Inc., Dipolog City, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E11/2026-05

Keywords:

Barangay secretaries, competencies, challenges, local government unit, Dipolog City, Philippines.

Abstract

This study determined the perceived competencies and challenges of barangay secretaries in the Local Government Unit of Dipolog City during Calendar Year 2025. Using a descriptive-correlational survey design, the study collected completed questionnaires from 181 of 189 eligible barangay officials, excluding barangay secretaries. Data were analyzed using the average weighted value (AWV), standard deviation (SD), and Spearman rank-order correlation. Findings revealed that barangay secretaries were rated Competent overall (AWV = 4.01, SD = 0.89); human relations ranked highest (AWV = 4.41), while shorthand writing skills ranked lowest (AWV = 3.43). The perceived level of challenges was Low overall (AWV = 2.55, SD = 1.10), with time management (AWV = 2.93) and job-related stress (AWV = 2.86) receiving the highest ratings. The relationship between perceived competencies and challenges was negligible and not statistically significant (ρ = 0.086, p = 0.247). The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the city government could prioritize targeted skills training, workload management, and administrative support to address the areas identified.

References

1) Aňar, L. E., Panchacala, P. A., Jayme, E. N., Jr., Madelo, C. P., & Suganob, M. G. (2024). Unlocking success: The outcomes of workplace English training for barangay secretaries in a local government of Southern Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 22, 119–138. https://doi.org/10.57200/apjsbs.v22i0.408

2) Bakare, A. A., Abioye, A. A., & Issa, A. O. (2016). An assessment of records management practice in selected local government councils in Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, 4(1), 49–64. https://doi.org/10.1633/JISTaP.2016.4.1.4

3) Catid, R. E., Jalbuna, J. M., Boncales, P. L., & Jimenez, J. A. (2026). Identifying training needs and competency gaps among barangay secretaries in LGU Siquijor: Basis for capacity-building. Inclusive Society and Sustainability Studies, 6(1), 52–69. https://doi.org/10.31098/issues.v6i1.4318

4) Cohen, J., Cohen, P., West, S. G., & Aiken, L. S. (2014). Applied multiple regression/correlation analysis for the behavioral sciences (3rd ed.). Psychology Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410606266

5) Creswell, J. W., & Guetterman, T. C. (2019). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (6th ed.). Pearson.

6) De Guzman, J. E. N., Adalid, G. V., Andaya, A. Y. F. C., Landingin, E. U., & Velasco, R. F. (2021). Office competencies of barangay secretaries in District I municipalities of La Union [Unpublished undergraduate thesis]. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University–Mid La Union Campus.

7) Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XII. (2025, May 27). DILG Makilala conducts BIMS training for 38 barangay secretaries. https://cotabato.region12.dilg.gov.ph/2025/05/27/look-dilg-makilala-conducts-bims-training-for-38-barangay-secretaries/

8) Farrow, R., Iniesto, F., Weller, M., & Pitt, R. (2020). The GO-GN research methods handbook. Open Education Research Hub, The Open University. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3933366

9) Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

10) Gannaban, M. V. C. (2023). Enhancing professional development: Exploring the functions and legal responsibilities of barangay secretaries. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(7), e02586.https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i7.2586

11) Inarda, A. V., Madriaga, E. M. G., Protacio, M. L., & Santos, M. S. P. (2019). Office skills among local government units’ personnel towards a proposed extension project. Asia Pacific Journal of Academic Research in Social Sciences, 4, 40–49.

12) Jalisan, J. B., Mier, A. C. F., & Garcia, M. J. Z. (2026). Training needs assessment of barangay officials and employees: Office management skills as a basis for the development of a BSOA extension program. International Journal of Education, Research, and Innovation Perspectives, 2(6), 1246–1255. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20760166

13) Ocat-Beloy, J. R., & Prado, N. I. (2026). Office skills, information and communication technology competency, office functions, and performance of barangay secretaries. International Journal of Education, Research, and Innovation Perspectives, 2(7), 537–549. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21337801

14) Patria-Dy, K., Talorete, V., Borngo, J., Albaran, P., Albaran, L., Naquila, C., & Sobisol, G. W. (2023). Empowering local government officials: A training program for effective public service delivery conducted by Mindanao State University–Maigo School of Arts and Trades, Department of Computer Science, and Local Government Unit of Maigo. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 12(6), 621–629. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8264895

15) Quinto, R. Q., Maninang, J. R. T., & Bonifacio, A. M. (2025). Soft skills as human capital: Assessing public servants’ competencies in local governance in Bataan, Philippines. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 7(3), 184–191.https://doi.org/10.54476/ioer-imrj/573027

16) Republic Act No. 7160. (1991). Local Government Code of 1991. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://officialgazette.gov.ph/1991/10/10/republic-act-no-7160/

17) Salazar, T. B. (2022). Competencies and challenges among newly appointed barangay secretaries in one local government unit of Bicol Region, Philippines. Journal of Education, Management and Development Studies, 2(3), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.52631/jemds.v2i3.161

18) Symbaluk, D. G., & Hall, R. (2024). Research methods: Exploring the social world in Canadian contexts (3rd ed.). MacEwan Open Books. https://doi.org/10.31542/b.gm.6

19) Tabe, H. T., & Materechera, E. K. (2024). Academic writing technique: The influence of stenography on students’ academic performance in higher education. Cogent Education, 11(1), Article 2306883. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2306883

20) Valera, D. M. C., & Briones, A. B. (2024). Improving computer literacy of barangay secretaries and treasurers of Eastern Lines barangays of Maco through comprehensive workshop: A study. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 50(11), 294–301. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v50i111654

Downloads

Published

2026-11-12

How to Cite

Yurong, A. A., & Leo C. Naparota, PhD. (2026). Competencies and Challenges of the Barangay Secretaries in the Local Government Unit of Dipolog City. Journal of Management Research and Review, 2(11), 909-915. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E11/2026-05

Similar Articles

11-20 of 50

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.