LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – The barangay government is still seen by many as a minor player in the decision-making process when in fact, a few intelligent and dedicated individuals manage to hold key positions and are considered as their localities’ driving forces. One of them is Punong Barangay Marcial Bogbog of Poblacion West in Lagawe, Ifugao.
Along with his councilmen, punong barangay Bogbog is exerting his best to implement key development programs and projects of the barangay council.
“We are still looking to have the most sustainable way to deliver basic services to the people,” Bogbog said. “We are also working with several stakeholders to have the best delivery,” he added.
In effect, it would lead to betterment of the people’s lives. This may in fact be viewed by folks as helpful in easing their difficulties in these trying times.
Projects and initiatives of the Poblacion West Barangay Council this year were discussed during the State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) by PB Bogbog, coinciding with the Barangay Assembly Day.
Bogbog said that other activities for the remaining months of 2024 are “in the pipeline” and that
members of the Sangguniang Barangay (SB) are supportive of pursuing these endeavors.
The SB is composed of Edwin Baguidudol, Paula Ballogan, JovitaBongtiwon, Joana Bulusan, Celso Bun-ol, Abdul Cablinan and Sixto Dulinayan Jr. While Lex Fort Bokiagon is the Sangguniang Kabataan chairman. Barangay secretary is Loida Lyn Lunag and the barangay treasurer is Nelly Narciso .
Guests from the private sector gave insights on issues affecting the villagers. Municipal local government operations officer Roselle Aplosen got the privilege of reading the message of Interior Secretary Remulla.
After the information, education campaign (IEC), the councilmen have spoken on their actions through committee reports. Thus, the barangay council has set off to its moment of being scrutinized during the open forum. The Q&A portion also aims to give opportunities for residents to voice out their opinions on what can be done to improve conditions on their communities.
PB Bogbog dutifully answered the queries of residents. For instance, he vowed to act on the problem involving minors who are driving motorcycles without helmets.
In such a short time span, the goal of attaining transformative governance in Poblacion West was achieved. Simply put, PB Marcial Bogbog should be commended for his exceptionally meritorious service.
With 8 puroks, in the last census, Poblacion West had a population of 2,521. There are 503 households with 590 families.
Just like in the other 42,024 villages in the country, the barangay assembly allows officials in the grassroots level to find solutions to issues that affect the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Even if midterm polls for local and national officials are scheduled seven months from now, barangay council officials should not be distracted and influenced by maneuverings of politicians thus, they could all focus on the work at hand.
Nevertheless, problems are mounting, not declining each day.
For health, Filipinos continue to clamor for the full implementation of Universal Health Care to ensure that all nationals have access to adequate health care services.
For the elderly, there is a call to extend social assistance and social pensionprogram to senior citizens. Full implementation of Section 5 of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, which provides pension coverage to all indigent senior citizens.
Garbage collection and disposal waste are still focused on the outdated material recovery facility (MRF). Plastic bottles proudly displayed in the MRF for a very long time until the MRF’s brim is filled up. Anywhere and everywhere. It should not come as a surprise if foreign tourists say such a site is an “eyesore.” Everywhere and anywhere.Problem still unsolved! But the same cannot be said for a program entailing modern day collection and recycling ecosystems in villages to prevent ocean-bound plastic waste.
Solid waste management’s impact ripples beyond putting up the MRF and enticement of rewards and awards. It should empower folks to understand and appreciate the vitality of health and sanitation. They have no choice but to train households in handling biodegradable residuals in home backyards. It’s as simple as that. Seeing villagers are safe from diseases brought about by dirt and trash, knowing they can live in a clean community is certainly the greatest reward of them all!
Receiving useful information to create a safer and better barangay for the people, most especially the young, from the private sector’s valuable perspective is truly important. Lamentably, barangay government officials are losing sight of the fact there are many knowledgeable individuals outside of government service.
Saluting the “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) slogan does not curb or alleviate poverty. Swift and decisive actions should be taken.
It’s time barangay assemblies to discuss timely socio-economic issues, not trivial ones. The benefits of enlightening villagers of the implications of corruption and incompetence of public servants, especially in the local level, cannot be over emphasized. The barangay council should focus its efforts on recommendations of private sector partners for there is such a thing as private-public partnership.
Investing on job creation, increasing the low honorarium of barangay officials and meager stipend allotted for volunteers like BNS, BHW and tanods (watchmen) due to high cost of living and risks as well as hazards they face, uplifting the lives of as many Filipinos as we can and prioritizing what will be good for all are just some of the pressing issues.The growth of the barangay can help create a more resilient economy. **By Anthony A. Araos
