TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The first batch of newly-elected barangay officials underwent a two-day session on Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Barangays Program initiated by the DILG-Tabuk City on January 30-31 at Golden Berries Hotel and Convention Center.
The Barangay Newly Elected Officials towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (BNEO-GREAT) Program specifically aims to capacitate the barangay officials on the proper turnover from previous administration to the new administration; capacitate the newly elected barangay officials to commence their governance journey; develop the competency of barangay officials on specific governance; promote transparency, accountability, and effective governance at the barangay; and enhance barangay compliance to governance requirements and enhance their level of performance.
According to City Local Government Operations Officer Helen Lacuesta, the sessions will improve the competency of barangay officials, staff and key stakeholders to perform their task, improve the quality of their service, and uphold good governance.
Acting City Mayor Dick Bal-o, in his message said that the participation of the barangay officials in this activity is necessary to remind them of their functions and upgrade their knowledge in leading their community particularly on the aspect of accounting, budgeting process, and determining which programs should be prioritized.
Bal-o went on to say that their participation further demonstrates their dedication, fortitude, self-control, and devotion to the service of the community.
He reminded the participants to always be transparent and responsive to the needs of their constituents, and focus on good governance.
Included in the discussions were the salient features of RA 7160 for barangays, the Barangay Development Plan and CapDev Agenda, barangay budget, participation in governance, DILG and PPAs for barangays, public ethics and accountability, and barangay agenda for governance and development.
Participants in the first cluster of this program were punong barangays, kagawads, and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from Agbannawag, Appas, Bado Dangwa, Cabaruan, Calaccad, Casigayan, Cudal, Dagupan Weste, Dilag, Dupag, Gobgob, Guilayon, Lacnog, Lacnog West, and Nambucayan. The second and third clusters of barangays are scheduled on Feb.1-2 and Feb. 6-7 respectively. By Darwin S. Serion, Jayson Antonio
