Barangay Tabing-Ilog is Bataan’s model for nationwide Barangay Day

SAMAL, Bataan – Barangay Tabing Ilog, complete with disaster readiness and environmental projects, in this town will be Bataan’s showcase barangay for the synchronized nationwide Barangay Assembly Day tomorrow.

As per a Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum, the Barangay Assembly Day for this year’s first semester falls on a Saturday when all villages in the country are mandated to report to their constituents.

In Bataan, DILG has chosen Tabing Ilog among 237 barangays to be the province’s showcase.

Tabing Ilog Punong Barangay Glen Velasco said he will deliver his State of Barangay Address at 7:00 pm near the barangay hall and report accomplishments, financial statements, and updates on his programs and projects.

The DILG memorandum also mandates the discussion of barangay concerns such as disaster preparedness, solid waste management, peace and order, and strict enforcement of laws especially against human trafficking and on stray animals.

“We have early warning devices for disaster preparedness and have installed sirens. For the environment, we strictly implement the ‘No Segregation, No Collection policy,’” said Velasco in an interview over Poweradio 104.5 FM yesterday.

According to Catherine Aduna, DILG-Bataan’s focal person on Barangay Assembly, barangay officials may also undertake other activities to create public awareness and generate participation such as medical or dental mission, tiangge, and cultural presentations.

During the radio program, Aduna also read DILG Secretary Mar Roxas’ message to all villages conducting the assembly. Roxas said in his message that the Barangay Assembly serves as an avenue for a healthy dialogue among barangay officials and the people to discuss and give appropriate action to local concerns like illegal drugs, peace and order, and environmental protection.

Any concerned citizen, government or private entity may file an administrative complaint to the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan against barangay officials who fail to conduct a Barangay Assembly.