Noy to lead 42,000 barangay executives in pledge for good governance

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead more than 42,000 barangay officials nationwide in reciting the pledge for good governance today during the first barangay assembly day under his administration to be held in Barangay Central in Tarlac City, where he is also expected to deliver a message.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said this is the first barangay assembly day where barangay officials shall recite the “Panunumpa Para sa Mabuting Pamamahala,” which sums up the commitment of barangay officials to promote and uphold the principles of good governance at the barangay level.

“With the recitation of the pledge, they (punong barangays) are in essence vowing to institutionalize the tenets of transparency, responsiveness, accountability and participation at the barangay level,” Robredo said.

In his directive to local chief executives, Robredo urged barangay officials to discuss the guideposts in promoting and sustaining barangay good governance, particularly on transparency of barangay financial records, including the posting of monthly collections and disbursements.

Robredo said the assembly day is a venue for barangay officials to present the current state of development and financial status of the barangay, and to conduct consultations and discussions with barangay residents on their proposed plans and programs for the next three years.

“As the basic political institution, the barangay is an important vehicle to elicit feedback from the public on community issues as well as to mobilize their support for government programs and projects,” he said.

The DILG secretary encouraged ordinary citizens to go out on Saturday and actively participate in the barangay assembly.

“If we really want reforms in our communities, the assembly is the proper time for us to discuss with our barangay officials and voice our sentiments on barangay issues and concerns.”

Proclamation No. 342 and the Local Government Code require the conduct of a barangay assembly every first Saturday of March and third Saturday of October.

It was supposed to be held last Oct. 16, but was postponed due to its proximity to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections last Oct. 25.

The barangay assembly in the city shall be broadcast live over NBN-Channel 4 and Radyo ng Bayan.

Earlier, the President issued Proclamation No. 74 declaring Dec. 11 as barangay assembly day.