City officials recently urged the attendance and active participation of all public officials and government employees, including national government offices based in the city, during the scheduled barangay assembly days while excusing them from their office hours to accommodate their involvement to ensure that civil servants contribute to grassroots governance fostering closer ties between the local government and the community they serve.
In a resolution authored by Councilor Rocky M. Aliping, local legislators stated that to encourage, maximize and facilitate the active involvement of government workers, they should be excused from their office duties if the assembly day of the barangay coincides with their office work during the week to ensure their participation without compromising their work and responsibilities.
Under the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government code as amended, there shall be a barangay assembly composed of all persons who are actual residents of the barangay for at least six months, 15 years of age or over, citizens of the Philippines and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly members, and the barangay assembly shall meet at least twice a year to hear and discuss the semestral report of the Sangguniang Barangay concerned, its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay.
Further, Proclamation No. 599, series of 2018 as amended, declared the Saturdays and Sundays of March and October of every year as Barangay Assembly Days.
The council noted that the barangay assembly serves as a vital community forum, empowering citizens with a direct role and influence in local governance. It also provides a platform for residents to actively engage, voice their concerns, and participate in decision-making processes that shape the future of their community.
The body explained that public officials and government employees serve not only as public servants but also as residents and integral members of their barangays and they share equal responsibility for the advancement and development of their respective barangays.
Moreover, with their knowledge and expertise, the council asserted that public officials and employees can actively contribute to community development by sharing ideas, identifying problems, and devising solutions within their barangays.
The council emphasized the leveraging their experience, technological know-how, and financial acumen, they can play a pivotal role in advancing their community.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to all government institutions in the city for widest dissemination, information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
