 Barbers entered the political arena in 1992 as a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Surigao del Norte.He was recognized and acclaimed for his outstanding performance as a legislator by various institutions and organizations, including the Consumer Welfare Foundation of the Philippines, University of the Philippines, Gladiator Magazine, Pilipino Newsline, the Consumer’s Union of the Philippines (PICC) and the National Defense College of the Philippines.The Mindanao congressman was re-elected in 1995 unopposed.