DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 23 Sept) — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging officials in the country’s 42,044 barangays to use social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter to get more people to attend the October 14 Barangay Assembly.
A press release from the DILG on Saturday quotedOIC Secretary Eduardo Año as saying that social media is “far-reaching and nowadays most Filipinos get news and public advisory online. Use this platform as we now embrace e-governance.”
He also reminded the public of their “right and responsibility” to participate in the twice-a-year assembly, whose theme next month is “Nagkakaisang komunidad tungo sa Mapayapa, Maunlad at Matiwasay na Barangay!” (A united community for a Peaceful, Progressive and Safe Barangay!)
Aside from social media, Año urged officials to add medical or dental mission and cultural presentations to ensure maximum participation.
He said Barangay Assembly notices should also be displayed in strategic areas like the barangay hall, plaza, main streets, transport terminals and markets.
He directed DILG field officers to urge barangays to livestream their Barangay Assembly through Facebook Live and post pictures and videos of the assembly in various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #barangayassembly2018 on October 14.
Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code provides that barangay assemblies be conducted “at least twice a year to hear and discuss the semestral report of the barangay concerning its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay.”
Proclamation 260 set the date of the barangay assembly on the last Saturday of March and second Sunday of October.
Barangay officials who fail to convene the assembly can face administrative charges.
“To the public, make use of your right to have an interface with your barangay officials on issues that affect your community. To barangay officials, ensure maximum participation and meaningful discussion with your constituents,” Año said. (MindaNews)