Argao barangay purok system gets national recognition

CEBU, Philippines —  Barangay Taloot in Argao, Cebu got into the winners’ circle of the 2023 Galing Pook Awards at the One Esplanade in Pasay City the other night for its community-based integrated approach to address malnutrition and illiteracy.

Taloot barangay captain Chanito Quiblat, during the final presentation of its program, said to be part of the final 17 was already a feat in itself but for their initiatives to be replicated by other local government units (LGUs) for the sake of their constituents’ future is a bigger victory for them.

Barangay Taloot’s purok system involves the barangay officials, the school in their area and most especially the parents themselves to reduce drop-out traits and academic struggles.

Learners are also provided with a remedial reading program.

Aside from that, the community also encouraged backyard gardening for a healthier mind and body.

All these interventions significantly improved academic performance and reduced non-readers in the barangay.

“A program that is replicated by other LGUs is a win in itself…Whether it makes it to the top 10 or not,” Quiblat said.

The rest of the top 10 awardees for this year’s edition of the Galing Pook Awards include Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte’s Seal of Health Governance; Davao Oriental Province: Happy Home; General Santos City: Shari’a Atas Bitiara; Makati City: Virtual Queuing Management System for Health Centers; Iloilo Province: Mobilizing Communities through People-Centered Zero Open Defecation Movement Towards Sustainable Sanitation; Pasig City: Prehospital Care and Emergency Medical Services Medical Control Program; Bayawan City, Negros Oriental: Fish From The Mountains: Bayawan Inland Aquaculture; Bataan Province: 1Bataan Seal of Healthy Barangay, and Quezon City: iRISE UP (Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population).

The Galing Pook Awards winners were chosen from 166 applications from different local governments in the country.

Meanwhile, private initiatives were also given recognition including the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation; Health Futures Foundation, Inc.; and Espoir School of Life.

RAFI got the citizenship recognition from the same award-giving body.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, a multiple recipient of the GPA himself while serving as mayor of Mandaluyong City before, hailed the winners for being an epitome of excellence.

“This October marks the anniversary of the Local Government Code of the Philippines. It speaks of autonomy, it speaks of devolution. And these winners, who exhibited beautiful projects, are the epitome of true devolution, excellence, innovation, and resourcefulness,” Abalos said.

Abalos also asked awardees to help the DILG to replicate their outstanding programs to other LGUs.

“Kaya ang hihilingin ko sa inyo, work with us sa DILG, Galing Pook and let’s replicate these (programs) to other LGUs…It’s not just about winning, it’s not just about the awards. It’s also about sharing these beautiful practices to others (LGUs),” added Abalos.

Abalos also read a message from President Bongbong Marcos which also paired the winners for their innovative and excellent programs that address various local challenges and improve the lives of their constituents.

“Your unwavering dedication and innovative spirit are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Filipino people,” part of Marcos’ message reads.

Marcos also thanked the Galing Pook Foundation for empowering LGUs and CSOs to develop programs and social innovations for improved public service delivery.

The GPA, which was launched on October 21, 1993, has already recognized over 330 LGU programs from at least 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities. (CEBU NEWS)