Residents of Bagong Silang in Caloocan City will soon have to say goodbye to their area’s distinction as the Philippines’ largest barangay.
This, as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act 11993, which effectively split Bagong Silang – officially known as Barangay 176 – into six independent barangays.
These barangays will be known as Barangays 176-A to F, according to the new law.
Pending future elections, city mayor of Caloocan has the capacity to designate an individual barangay chairman, seven Sangguniang barangay members, a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, and a Sangguniang Kabataan members.
However, while the newly designated officials are yet to assume office, the incumbent barangay officials will continue to hold office.
Furthermore, Section 7 of the law states that the newly created barangays are also entitled to the National Allotment shares.
The Commission on Election (Comelec) has yet to schedule a plebiscite to ratify RA 11993.
Bagong Silang, located at the northern exclave of Caloocan City, has a total population of 261,729 according to the 2020 census, making it the most populous barangay in the Philippines.
Former President Corazon Aquino had, by virtue of Republic Act No. 6714, also attempted to split Barangay 176 into five smaller barangays.
However, the proposal was defeated in a plebiscite held in March 1989.
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