CABANATUAN CITY – A post-barangay election controversy arose in this city after a defeated barangay chairman reportedly declared that newly-elected village officials could not use their barangay hall that is housed inside the local health center building because it allegedly serves as an extension office of the city government’s health center.

“Sinisiguro ko po sa kanila na hindi nila makukuha ito sapagkat ito pong lugar na ito ay pag-aari ng ating (lokal na) pamahalaan, pati po yung lupa. Kaya kung mababasa n’yo po ang signboard sa may gilid ng covered court, ito po ay isang multi-purpose health center. Ito po ay extension ng health center ng Lungsod ng Cabanatuan,” explained defeated barangay captain Joey Tucay, who served as barangay chief for more than 20 years.

However, Tucay’s statements contradicted an earlier press release from the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 3 in which 2nd Nueva Ecija Engineering District Office district engineer Elpidio Y. Trinidad stated that his office recently turned over a newly-constructed multi-purpose building (MPB) to Bgy. Calawagan that will serve as a village hall, which will provide a convenient venue for the delivery of essential public services for the barangay.

Trinidad said the new barangay hall also will create safe spaces for dealing with matters concerning Violence Against Women (VAW), making their community feel more secure.

Trinidad added the project for the construction of the MPB in Bgy. Calawagan was implemented under the DPWH’s Barangay Infrastructure Program and funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a fiesta-like atmosphere prevailed in the barangay Calawagan after it was announced that Jerry Ramos was declared the newly-elected barangay chairman.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Steve A. Gosuico