For general assembly: Cebu village officials to descend on Subic

CEBU, Philippines - Close to 100 barangay officials in Cebu City and province will leave for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City to attend the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines General Assembly and Legislative Enhancement Program will be held from August 29 to 31.

Talisay City Association of Barangay Council president Charles Basillote yesterday said the 22 barangays in the city will send representatives to the assembly.

Basillote said barangay officials will be updated on the Synchronized Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay Elections in October.

Senators Loren Legarda, Grace Poe, and Sonny Angara, and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas III will address the assembly.

“The barangay officials are thrilled have the senators and  Sec. Roxas as guest speakers,” Basillote said.

Barangays from Minglanilla town, Naga City, Toledo City, Cebu City already confirmed their attendance on the assembly.

BCLP National president Franklyn Ong told The Freeman that topics to be discussed include the Legislative Process in Sangguniang Barangay (Enhancing Barangay Resolution and Ordinance), Accessing of Funds for LGUs/Brgy. Projects, creating a barangay revenue code and barangay economic Enterprise, Present Structure of the BCLP Organization, Other Important Barangay Legal Matters (How to process the Civil Service Eligibility, House Bills & Senate Bills concerning New Benefits for Brgy. Officials particularly HB No. 6567 “retirement benefits for barangay officials.”

Ong, who is also the president of BCLP-Cebu City chapter, also said the BCLP aims to provide a venue to understand the nature of government institution and policies on matters affecting functions of Barangay government.

The BCLP is an organization of the elected barangay councilors (Kagawad).

It started in 2003 which continuously promotes, maximizes, and strengthens the skills, potentials, and capabilities of all barangay councilors in their roles as legislators and duly-elected public servants in their respective communities and in the entire nation as well. â€“ Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)