'Purok' system pushed in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY ,Philippines  — An ordinance institutionalizing the Countryside Development Program through "purok system" in all 1,109 barangays in the province has been pushed by the Bohol Provincial Board during its regular session over the weekend.

The move was sponsored by Liga ng mga Barangay provincial federated president Crispina Vergara from the town of Mabini, who also sits as ex-officio PB member.

This law would recognize the significance of sub-villages or puroks in facilitating development at the barangay-level, she said.

"There is a need to institutionalize the purok system in every barangay to carry out a more holistic mode to development. Puroks can also be made as a powerful tool for community mobilization and action," Vergara said.

Under the proposed ordinance, each barangay shall have seven purok systems and all households situated in the defined area shall be registered as the members of the particular purok.

Each purok will also have seven sectoral volunteers composed of a health worker, tanod and representatives for agriculture, environment and the youth.

The ordinance also includes fund allocation from the provincial government to ensure efficient implementation.

"The system is totally a community work. Purok officers will be elected among members and function as volunteers in their respective areas," Vergara added.