In the Philippine administrative hierarchy, the barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies. Central to this development is the Barangay Road, a public infrastructure essential for local connectivity. Understanding the legal width requirements and the regulatory framework governing these roads is crucial for local officials, developers, and property owners.

1. Defining the Barangay Road

Under Philippine law, specifically Executive Order No. 113 (1955) and subsequent Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) classifications, barangay roads are "other public roads" within the barangay not classified as national, provincial, or municipal/city roads. They typically provide access to residential areas and farm-to-market routes.

2. Standard Width Requirements

The width of a road is measured by its Right-of-Way (ROW), which includes the traveled way (carriageway), shoulders, curbs, and drainage.

Minimum Right-of-Way (ROW): Per DPWH standards and the National Building Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1096), the absolute minimum width for a public road right-of-way is 10.00 meters.
Carriageway Width: For local roads, the standard width for a single lane is typically 3.05 meters. Therefore, a standard two-lane barangay road usually features a carriageway of 6.10 meters, with the remaining 3.90 meters allocated for shoulders and drainage on both sides.
Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs): Under the Department of Agriculture (DA) and DPWH joint guidelines, FMRs—which often fall under barangay jurisdiction—aim for a minimum width of 5.0 to 6.0 meters for the pavement, depending on the terrain and traffic volume.

3. Key Regulatory Frameworks

A. The Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. 7160)

The Code mandates that barangays are responsible for the maintenance of barangay roads and bridges. It grants Local Government Units (LGUs) the power to:

Expropriate Land: Under the power of eminent domain, an LGU can acquire private property for public use (e.g., road widening) provided there is "just compensation."
Enact Ordinances: Barangays can pass ordinances regulating the use of these roads, such as weight limits or "no parking" zones to maintain the effective width of the passage.

B. Presidential Decree No. 1096 (National Building Code)

The Building Code stipulates that no permit shall be issued for a building unless it faces a public street or an approved private street. It reinforces that the road width must be sufficient to provide access for emergency vehicles (fire trucks, ambulances).

C. B.P. Blg. 220 and P.D. 957 (Subdivision Standards)

For socialized and economic housing projects within a barangay, the width of roads is dictated by the number of units and the length of the road:

Major Roads: 10.0 meters to 12.0 meters.
Minor Roads: 6.5 meters to 8.0 meters.
Alleyways/Pathways: 2.0 to 3.0 meters (not classified as standard barangay roads for vehicular traffic).

4. Common Legal Issues and Constraints

Road Widening and Encroachments

One of the most persistent issues in the Philippines is the presence of illegal structures (fences, extensions, or vendors) encroaching on the 10-meter ROW.

DILG Memorandum Circulars: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) frequently issues directives (e.g., MC No. 2019-121) ordering the clearing of road obstructions to reclaim public space.
Donation of Land: Many barangay roads were originally private lots "donated" verbally. Legally, for a road to be recognized as public, there must be a Deed of Donation accepted by the LGU and registered with the Registry of Deeds.

Drainage and Utilities

Regulations require that barangay roads must include provisions for drainage. The absence of a standard-width shoulder often leads to poor drainage, resulting in rapid road deterioration. Under the Clean Water Act, LGUs must ensure that road runoff does not contribute to the pollution of local water bodies.

5. Summary Table of Standard Dimensions

Component	Standard Width (Ideal)	Minimum Requirement
Right-of-Way (ROW)	10.00 meters	10.00 meters
Pavement/Carriageway	6.10 meters (2 lanes)	4.00 - 5.00 meters (Intermittent)
Shoulders (per side)	1.50 meters	0.50 - 1.00 meter
Drainage Canal	1.00 meter	0.60 meter

6. Conclusion of Legal Status

Barangay roads are public property (res publicae) and are outside the commerce of man. They cannot be leased, sold, or used for private purposes. The local barangay council, while having administrative jurisdiction, must adhere to the national standards set by the DPWH and the DILG to ensure safety, accessibility, and the efficient flow of commerce within the community.