DILG seminar aims to man up brgy officials

CEBU, Philippines - To help the newly elected barangay officials become effective and efficient in performing their duties and responsibilities, the Department of Interior and Local Government, in coordination with the Talisay City government, has scheduled a two-day series of seminar-workshops among 176 barangay officials.

Association of Barangay Council president Raul C. Cabañero, who sits as council representative in the city council, said the seminar-workshops for Barangay Newly Elected Officials would be conducted for the 22 barangays in the city with topics on effective leadership, personality development, and full disclosure policy and seal of good housekeeping.

"The seminar workshops aim to impart hands-on knowledge and skills on barangay good governance," Cabañero said.

In the session last Tuesday, the city council already approved the resolution asking Mayor Johnny De los Reyes for financial assistance in the amount of P250,000 to cover registration fees for the seminar-workshops which will be conducted in the second week of March.

"The barangay officials of the 22 barangays are seeking financial assistance from the Office of the Mayor since they have no sufficient funds to finance the said seminar," he added.

The barangay officials will also be taught on barangay budgeting, finance, treasury issues and concerns, barangay development planning, health program, barangay disaster risk reduction and management, and solid waste management program.

They will also be taught basic barangay legislation.

Meanwhile, the Barangay Assembly is also set on March 29, based on Proclamation No. 260, series of  2011 declaring the last Saturday of March and the second Sunday of October every year as Barangay Assembly Days.

In a memorandum issued by the DILG, the Barangay Assembly aims to instigate the norms of transparency, responsiveness, accountability and participation at the barangay level.

The assembly also serves as a venue for discussions on significant issues or concerns affecting the barangay such as disaster preparedness, solid waste management, peace and order situation, among others, Cabañero said.

DILG issued Memorandum Circular No. 2014-09 dated January 28, 2014 for the conduct of Barangay Assembly Day for the first semester of 2014 on March 29.

During the assembly, the barangay officials may also undertake other activities deemed necessary and appropriate. They are enjoined to prepare barangay assembly posters or banners to be posted on conspicuous places in the locality.

Punong barangays are encouraged to deliver their State of Barangay Address, with emphasis on 2013 second semester accomplishment reports; financial report to include the itemized monthly collections and disbursement; summary of income and expenditures; and updates on 2014 on-going programs and projects. (FREEMAN)