Section 16. National Barangay Operations Office. — The National Barangay Operations Office which shall be headed by a Director to be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary, shall have the following functions:

1. Formulate policies, plans and programs that will promote community and citizen participation in the political development of the barangay through the mobilization and participation of barangay assemblies;

2. Initiate projects on innovative barangay development strategies and approaches in close coordination with the Bureau of Local Government Development;

3. Provide secretariat services to the Association of Barangay Councils and serve as a clearing house on matters affecting barangay officials' insurance, hospitalization, educational and other benefits as provided by law;

4. Provide continuing information dissemination to barangay units on national development efforts and issues in order for barangay assembly members to participate meaningfully in national development;

5. Establish and maintain masterlists of barangays, barangay officials and barangay socio-economic profiles;

6. Provide situational and political analysis for the Secretary on barangay affairs; and

7. Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Secretary or as provided for by law.