ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the perceived functionalities of selected barangay

officials in terms of understanding of their roles, performance of their functions, and

penalties upon commission or omission of functions, with regards to the implementation

of the Juvenile Justice laws in the Philippines. It also aimed to determine their perceived

difficulties in implementing the law and their recommendations to improve the conduct of

their functions.

The respondents of this study included the Punong Barangay, the Barangay

Kagawad In-charge for the Protection of Women and Children, the Barangay Tanod, and

the Barangay Social Worker chosen from 34 barangays under Sta. Ana Police Station.

This study utilized survey as data gathering method. Furthermore, the gathered answers

were interpreted and analyzed through frequencies, percentages, and weighted means.

Findings revealed that even though they are substantially aware of their functions

and roles, there are overlapping of functions such as one does the part of the other and

vice versa, some disagree with the law partly and entirely, and some are not aware of

their functions and roles.

The study therefore recommended that additional trainings and seminars be

conducted to enhance the understanding of the barangay officials on their role in the

implementation of the Juvenile Justice Laws, lectures be given to the parents for them to

know that juvenile justice laws are meant to help their children, budget allocated for the

implementation of the law be well-managed by responsible authorities, and the status of

the implementers of juvenile justice laws be in regular status to ensure employer-

employee relationship which can positively affect the barangay officials specifically the

social workers’ performance of their functions.

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