REPRESENTATIVE Rodante Marcoleta has introduced House Bill (HB) 9400, a landmark proposal that aims to provide direct financial support to barangays nationwide. This initiative targets uplifting local communities, especially in 4thnd 5th class municipalities, by reallocating underutilized government funds to strengthen local governance and empower barangay officials. A recent study revealed that only 12 percent of the nearly 42,000 barangays can operate sustainably with the majority facing severe financial challenges. Many barangay captains receive as little as P5,000 per month in honoraria — a disparity that extends to auxiliary staff such as barangay tanods, health workers and Lupon Tagapamayapa members. These financial limitations hinder the delivery of essential services, further undermining effective local governance. HB 9400 proposes the establishment of the Barangay Affairs and Development Fund, sourced from 3 to 4 percent of the "sleeping" funds of various government agencies. This fund would provide direct financial assistance to priority barangays, particularly in less affluent municipalities. Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of the Barangay Affairs and Development Commission, which will oversee the fund's distribution, standardize the salaries of all barangay officials and ensure long-term community sustainability. By empowering barangay officials with both financial resources and capacity building initiatives, Marcoleta aims to enable them to better serve their communities. With widespread support from fellow lawmakers and no significant opposition, he is urging Congress to expedite the bill's approval to bring meaningful and lasting change to barangays across the country.