Councilman vies for outstanding official

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu City barangay councilman is in the running for the Top Outstanding Barangay Official of the Year 2013 regional level.

Councilman Allan Daag from Barangay Kasambagan said he felt that representing Cebu City in a service-oriented search is the affirmation of his last term of public service.

“This recognition sums up my 18 years as barangay councilor. As a public servant, there will always be sacrifices and challenges that will be faced. I’m glad that the good things we have done for the barangay are noticed,” Daag said.

Daag started as a barangay councilman in 1989 and served straight until 1997. He ran for barangay captain upon completion of his three terms as councilman but failed.

After taking a break from public service, he went back as barangay councilman in 2002 and is now serving his last term.

Daag will be vying for the Outstanding Kagawad for Highly Urbanized City category against barangay councilmen from the provinces of Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

He was chosen to represent the city from five shortlisted kagawads who were interviewed by a panel of representatives from Department of Interior & Local Governance, Office of the Mayor, Association of Barangay Captains, City Planning Office, and a non-government organization.

“The panel went to our barangay to interview me about my projects and accomplishments from January to December 2012. After a time, I received a call that I was the one chosen to compete for the regional level,” he said.

When asked what his edge was over the other four candidates screened by the panel, he believed it was his “years of experience and sincerity to serve the people” that made him bag the award for the city level.

“Ever since I started as a councilor, my motto has been service straight from the heart. Then the committees that I have handled are social services and health. These are basic services that the constituents need,” he added.

Daag said he was informed by DILG that the regional search will be different for the city level since all finalists will be presented onstage before the panel and will be asked questions mostly about their accomplishments as barangay councilors.

The winning official will be announced shortly after the panel interview. BRP (FREEMAN)