American International Journal of Social Science

Promoting Amicable Settlement at the Local Level: The Barangay Justice Service System Methodology
Dr. Radzak Abag Sam, Solayha Abubakar-Sam

Abstract
This paper discusses the methodology adopted in the implementation of “Barangay Justice Service System (BJSS) Project in Maguindanao Province from 2003 to 2007. There were five modules covered in the project implementation such as: Katarungan Pambarangay; Counselling; Mediation, Para Legal; and Shariah or P.D. 1083, known as “The Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.” Lectures, workshops, case analyses and role play were the main methods used in the series of trainings/seminars conducted for the implementation of this project. As envisioned, cases filed at the regular courts were reduced substantially based on the records, especially those of civil cases that were within the jurisdiction of the Katarungan Pambarangay level. They were already taken cared by the barangay officials who underwent the BJSS training/seminars. A more improved and systematic ways of settling disputes at the local level were also established, and these were evident with the proper documentations and records of cases, and settlements which were not properly given due importance in the past administration justice at the barangay level. Finally, the success of the project is not only attributed to the support of the local leaders, but most especially the community residents who have been very cooperative in all the phases of the project implementation due to its relevance, and responsiveness in seeking a speedy, and impartial delivery justice services at the local level.

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