Improve public service delivery by empowering barangays — Bong Go
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, as a member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, is advocating for further empowering barangays as the basic governing units in communities in order to improve public service delivery and bring government closer to the people.
He has filed two proposed legislative measures that seek to support and recognize hardworking barangay officials and health workers. These are Senate Bill No. 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays and SBN 427, also known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation.
“These dedicated officials work tirelessly to ensure the welfare and well-being of their constituents, making them essential pillars of effective governance,” Go said.
He said barangay officials play a vital role in maintaining peace and order, delivering basic services, and promoting social welfare at the grassroots level. They are the backbone of local governance and serve as frontliners, who directly address the needs of their communities, Go added.
SBN 197 proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and barangay treasurer, receive similar treatment as regular government employees.
If enacted, it will make barangay officials eligible to receive salaries, benefits, allowances (such as hazard pay, representation and transportation allowance), 13th month pay, and other perks that regular government employees receive.
Under the proposed measure, the Sangguniang Barangay will also have the power to determine the appropriate number of permanent barangay tanods during their administration. The appointed tanods will also be entitled to honoraria, allowances, and other benefits.
“I originally filed the Magna Carta for Barangays last 18th Congress and I refiled it dito po sa 19th Congress since I believe that we need to improve the general welfare of our barangays and their residents, raise the economic and social status of barangay officials, and grant every barangay the basic facilities for decent, healthy and comfortable living,” Go said.
“Naintindihan ko po ang trabaho po ng ating mga barangay officials. Matagal po akong nagtrabaho kay dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte (kahit noong mayor pa siya). Yan po ang unang-una – sa umaga pa lang, nakapila na yan, dala-dala ang mga problema ng barangay. At pinakahuling oras hanggang gabi, sila po yung nandyan sa baba, na talagang humihingi ng tulong at nagdadala po ng serbisyo sa kanilang nasasakupan. Lahat ng problema – patay, pasyente, away sa barangay, lahat. Lahat po ng problema sa barangay nila, sila po ang nag-aasikaso,” he added.
Go’s advocacy also extends to the vital role of barangay health workers (BHWs) who tirelessly serve as the first point of contact for healthcare in their communities. Thus, the senator introduced SBN 427 to provide fair compensation and benefits to these frontliners.
The bill recognizes the critical contributions of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare services, raising awareness on health issues, and ensuring the well-being of the community.
This action is also in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to give importance to the well-being of BHWs, who have significantly contributed to the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go said that if the proposal becomes a law, it will not only acknowledge the valuable contributions of the BHWs but will also guarantee that they receive fair compensation and adequate protection while performing their duties.
“Ang mga barangay health workers natin ay nasa frontline po lalung-lalo na po sa malalayong lugar. Sila po ang nag-aasikaso. Sila po ang tumutulong sa paggagamot ng ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na sa mga komunidad na walang doktor,” Go said.
“Napapanahon naman po na sila ay bigyan natin ng sapat na halaga, alagaan po natin sila at bigyan natin sila ng sapat na benepisyo,” he added.
By highlighting the important roles played by the barangay officials and recognizing their significant contributions, Go aims to improve the welfare and effectiveness of local governance.
These proposed legislations hold the potential to uplift the status of barangay officials and health workers, fostering a stronger and more responsive community-driven governance system throughout the nation, Go said.
