This non-experimental quantitative study found a best-fit structural model of professionalism among 400 Lupong Tagapamayapa [LP] (Pacification) members in the barangays of Panabo City. Statistical tools used in analyzing data were the weighted mean, Pearson r, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results exposed the high-level work performance, public leadership, public service motivation, and professionalism of the Lupong Tagapamayapa. Moreover, the correlation test yielded a significant linear relationship between leadership and professionalism and public service motivation and professionalism. However, the relationship between work performance and professionalism was insignificant. Subsequently, the regression result revealed a combined predictive capability of work performance, leadership, and public service motivation on professionalism. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling revealed that public leadership and public service motivation are predictors of professionalism with specific manifest variables: accountability and network governance for public leadership; compassion and self-sacrifice for public service motivation. These manifest variables can only predict professional ethos and challenge under the professionalism construct. Finally, the studys findings have implications for effective and efficient mediation protocols in the barangays. The paper contained further discussions and inferences about the results.
KEYWORDS: public administration, lupong tagapamayapa, work performance, public leadership, public service motivation, professionalism, structural equation modeling, Panabo barangays