Banawa, Englis residents see approval of HB 5234

CEBU - The United Banawa-Englis Association Inc., the organization of residents of sitio Banawa and sitio Englis in barangay Guadalupe, is optimistic that the bill, which aims to separate their sitios from Guadalupe would be approved by Congress next month.

UBEAI president Antonio Dacalan said Representative Antonio Cuenco (Cebu City- South), the proponent of the bill, informed him that the bill would mostly like be signed by Congress in three weeks and by Senate in January.

Should this push through, it is reportedly possible that a plebiscite would take place in March next year, which would be followed by a special election.

With about 10,000 voting residents and the existence of several business establishments that give enough income to both sitios, UBEAI is confident that the two sitios are overqualified to be declared independent from Guadalupe.

Dacalan said they are now preparing their fellow residents in Banawa and Englis for the anticipated approval of the bill by introducing to them the benefits and privileges of the sitios’ conversion into a barangay.

Some major inherent privilege is for the residents to elect their own barangay officials and the acquisition of a lot for the construction of a barangay hall, sports complex, day care center, police station and health center.

Dacalan said their major motivation in fighting for their separation from Guadalupe is the barangay’s dissatisfactory services.

Dacalan said that at present, they lack the efficient services for the collection of garbage, sanitation, peace and order and health.

He said the garbage in their sitio is collected only once a week, which has become hazardous to the residents.

Peace and order is reportedly poor because there is reportedly not enough tanods.

“We will work on the creation of Banawa-Englis into a barangay for the benefits we need and we deserve,” Dancalan said. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)