Internet connectivity, central electronic database for 80 barangays

CEBU, Philippines - Newly elected Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Michael Ralota and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President John Philip Po II promised to be active and responsible in performing their duties.

Ralota and Po attended their first City Council session yesterday morning after they won in the elections as ex-officio members representing the barangays and the youth.

But prior to the session, Ralota and Po attended the 30-minute caucus with Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young and the 16 councilors.

The session started almost 9:30 a.m. The two, before they joined their colleagues at the session hall, waited at the gallery to be recognized by Young and sworn in as members of the City Council.

Ralota said it is his honor to be a member of the council representing the city’s 80 barangays.

In his speech, the 55-year-old Ralota revealed his campaign strategy that helped him won the ABC presidency.

Busay Barangay Captain Yody Sanchez earlier said that Ralota won because of the endorsement of Rep. Tomas Osmeña. Sanchez had also accused Ralota of vote-buying.

But Ralota, in his speech, said he made a house-to-house visit with almost all barangay captains long before the election period.

“In those visits, I have learned the many problems and concerns of the respective barangays. In fact, the priority is the construction and improvement of roads leading to mountain barangays,” Ralota said.

He laid out his plans and programs in the ABC. He cited that one barangay in the mountains has a potential for tourism and another could be a haven for investments.

Ralota also presented his idea of creating an E-MIC or Electronic-Management Information Center, which would connect the barangays and provide a central electronic database for the barangays.

“With the full support of the council, we can bring forth technology advancement and innovations through transparency and high-tech management solutions,” Ralota said as he ended his speech.

Meanwhile, the 17-year-old SK chairman of barangay Sto. Niño also promised to lead the youth well in striving for improvements in the city.

“I’m a new leader. I’m a new voice to the youth of Cebu City. I do believe that involvement in governance in local level can help develop young people’s leadership skills and confidence,” Po said.

Po said that through volunteerism, the young people would be empowered and could gain experience while learning new skills to become more responsible and accountable. (FREEMAN)