In light of the postponement of the October 23 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections, DILG-NCR reminded barangays to continue to fulfill their mandate and discuss their plans for their community in the synchronized barangay assembly for the second semester scheduled on October 8.
“Our barangay officials have the responsibility to inform and discuss their plans with their constituents. As they continue dispensing their duty with the suspension of the October 23 Barangay and SK elections, we expect that they will exert more effort in discussing with their barangay their plans, as well as their accomplishments in pushing for the development of their community,” DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes Agustin noted.
Under the Local Government Code, barangays are required to hold a barangay assembly every semester to keep their constituents abreast in the undertakings of the barangay government, especially on its spending. Through the assembly, residents are also given a venue to air their concerns on the problems in their community.
For this year, the national synchronized barangay assembly follows the theme “Nagkakaisang Barangay: Lakas ng Kampanya Kontra sa Iligal na Droga, Krimen, at Katiwalian. Makiisa! Makilahok, Makialam!”
The said theme stresses the Masa Masid Program of the Department, which highlights the importance of the citizenry, especially community volunteers in the fight against criminality, corruption, illegal drugs and violent extremism – the key advocacies of President Duterte.
DILG has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2017-123 for the guidelines of the conduct of the assembly for second semester. Punong Barangays are required to deliver their State of Barangay Address (SOBA), with emphasis on first semester 2017 accomplishments, first semester 2017 Financial Reports which include the utilization of 2017 SK funds, and updates on 2017 on-going programs and projects.
Punong Barangays are also requested to discuss compliance to the Department’s issuances on Barangay Full Disclosure Policy (BFDP), that require barangays to post six financial documents within their jurisdiction; implementation of anti-illegal drug laws and issuances, the registry of domestic workers in the barangay following Republic Act (RA) 10361, and the eradication of Human Trafficking as provided under RA 10364.
For the National Capital Region, the instruction of President Duterte in clearing up roads and waterways in Metro Manila shall also be discussed in the assemblies, in line with the initiatives of the national government in easing traffic. DILG and MMDA have been in charge to lead road and waterway clearing efforts, in coordination with NCR LGUs.
Residents are also encouraged to participate in the assembly as it is a venue where they can air their concerns and suggestions in addressing pressing issues in the community.
In a statement, DILG OIC Catalino Cuy warned barangays that failing to conduct the assembly can result to sanctions, pursuant to Section 61 of the Local Government Code and Administrative Order No. 7 or the Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Barangay officials who fail to conduct a barangay assembly may face corresponding administrative complaints be which can be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, governmental or non-governmental entity before the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan concerned,” his statement read.