LOCATING BARANGAYS

At first glance, it seems like a straightforward question: What barangay is this property in? But if you've ever dealt with land in Metro Manila (or just about anywhere in the Philippines), you’ll know it’s not always that clear.

Take Ayala Heights, for example. This upscale subdivision spans two barangays—Pansol and Old Balara. Some homes are technically under one barangay, while their next-door neighbors fall under the other. Outside these master-planned communities, it gets even messier. In Manila, crossing a single street could land you in a completely different barangay—without any signage to clue you in.

For RE practitioners and serious buyers, getting the correct barangay is more than trivia—it’s essential. You’ll need it for listing platforms, tax decs, due diligence, and even verifying property documents.

You might think, “I’ll just check Google Maps.” While Google can be helpful for street names or general orientation, it’s notoriously unreliable for pinpointing boundaries.

So where should you look?

The most reliable source is the BIR Zonal Valuation Sheet.

It lists each property’s corresponding barangay based on how the BIR classifies land for tax purposes. And when it comes to RE transactions, the BIR’s word is law.

But what if a development shows up under two barangays in the zonal valuation sheet—like Ayala Heights, which is listed under both Pansol and Old Balara? In that case, you’ll need to visit the City Assessor’s Office and request a Tax Map. This map will show the exact lot boundaries and indicate which specific barangay each property falls under.

And what if a city hall document says one thing, but the zonal valuation sheet says another? Trust the zonal valuation. It governs capital gains, documentary stamp taxes, and other key computations—making it the final authority in cases of conflict.

Bottom line:

When identifying a property's barangay, don’t rely on guesswork, hearsay, or Google Maps. Start with the zonal valuation sheet. If things still aren’t clear, head to the City Assessor’s Office and ask for a tax map. It’s the most definitive way to know where your property truly belongs.