Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo Established in Tupi, South Cotabato

 

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has officially ratified the creation of Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo following a successful plebiscite held on July 13, 2024. This was per Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 158, series of 2023.

The new barangay, formed from portions of Barangays Cebuano, Linan, and Miasong, received overwhelming support from voters.

In Barangay Cebuano, 1,294 out of 4,316 registered voters participated, with 1,262 voting YES and 29 voting NO. In Barangay Linan, 569 out of 2,357 registered voters participated, with 548 voting YES and 21 voting NO. While in Barangay Miasong, 622 out of 3,092 registered voters participated, with 583 voting YES and 39 voting NO.

Out of 9,765 registered voters across the participating barangays, 2,485 cast their ballots, resulting in a 25.45% voter turnout.

An impressive 96.30% (2,393 voters) favored the establishment of Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo, while 3.58% (89 voters) opposed it.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. praised the outcome, emphasizing that the new barangay would enhance governance and better serve residents' needs.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and local government unit ensured a peaceful and orderly plebiscite.

Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo is the 16th barangay of Tupi and 200th barangay of South Cotabato province.

An environmental group has raised concerns about the creation of Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo, which is allegedly located within the 15,600-hectare Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL).

The Save Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (SMMPL) fears that establishing this new village could attract an influx of people or investors, potentially threatening the area's natural beauty.

Despite notices of violations and stoppage orders issued by the Mt. Matutum Protected Area Management Board, there has been ongoing selling of forest lands, proliferation of business establishments, and illegal construction of buildings and houses.

The subject area is covered by Republic Act 11038 (the Enhanced Integrated Protected Area System Act or E-NIPAS), which aims to enhance biological diversity and protect against human exploitation.

The SMMPL has called for a joint oversight committee investigation by the Senate and the House of Representatives to address the continuing destruction and deliberate alteration of Mt. Matutum's natural landscape.

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