A crucial role
BARANGAY authorities play a “crucial role” in government efforts to address the crippling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which remains a major headache of people across the globe.
And unlike other public servants, village officials and employees are the “eyes” and “ears” of national and local government executives in the community, working 24 hours a day throughout the year.
In fact, other government personnel work for only eight hours a day from Monday to Friday.
On the other hand, the country’s barangay officials and employees, who just receive a meager monthly honoria, also work even during non-working holidays.
“Talagang nakakaawa ang mga opisyal at kawani ng mga barangay. lalo na ang mga health worker at tanod, kasi sila ang laging nasa frontline,” said a local government employee.
In the fight against the dreaded and deadly COVID-19, village authorities are mandated to monitor the enforcement of government-decreed health and safety protocols.
“Kasi ang mga taga-barangay, na pinangungunahan ng chairman at mga kagawad, ang kasa-kasama ng taumbayan 24 hours a day,” according to a retired policeman.
Thus, we cannot overemphasize the importance of honoring, respecting and rewarding our overworked but underpaid barangay officials and employees.
Without doubt, democracy flourishes when these “modern-day heroes” are listen to when they are in trouble and not dismissed as a bunch of unlettered Filipinos.
