Many brgy workers could lose jobs

CEBU, Philippines - Many barangay workers in the city are at risk of losing their jobs owing to a new policy of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the utilization of the city’s Annual Investment Plan.

The Annual Investment Plan, which is at least 20 percent of the overall budget of a local government, is where Cebu City gets its budget for the salary of garbage collectors and personnel of the Gender and Development (GAD).

The new joint memorandum circular of DILG and DBM prohibits the use of the 20 percent Annual Investment Plan for the barangays’ administrative expenses such as cash gifts, bonuses, food allowance, medical assistance, uniforms, supplies, meetings, communication, water and light, and petroleum products. Salaries and wages, travelling expenses, registration fees in training, seminars, conferences and conventions are also prohibited.

Likewise, the new memorandum circular prohibits the construction, repainting or finishing of administrative offices; the purchase of office furniture, fixtures, equipment and appliance, as well as maintenance of motor vehicle and motorcycles.

Association of Barangay Council President and T. Padilla Barangay Captain Michael Ralota said he will call for an emergency meeting with fellow barangay captains to discuss the implications of the new policy. Ralota fears that the new policy may mean that barangays have to let go of their personnel, particularly garbage collectors and those working with GAD.

Ralota said he plans to submit a petition to DILG and DBM to reconsider their stand after getting the sentiments of the 80 barangay captains in the city.

“Tanan gyud ang maapektohan ani nga joint circular kay kun di na ta ma-kagamit sa 20% annual investment plan  dili man pud makaya kun idungang sa personnel services kay mosubra naman,” Tante said.

DBM 7 Director Carmela Fernan already informed Mayor Michael Rama about the new policy. The circular dated April 13, 2011 stressed that the purpose of the guideline is to enhance transparency and accountability of local government units in undertaking development projects. — (FREEMAN)