In Mandaue, free tuition for children of brgy officials pushed

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Mandaue City said he will lobby for the implementation of free matriculation for the children of his fellow barangay officials.

Ernie Manatad of Barangay Subangdaku said he will lobby the matter to Mayor Jonas Cortes, as implementation of the privilege, which is enshrined under the Local Government Code, depends on the capability of the local government unit where the barangay officials serve.

Speaking before the national league of barangay captains, President Benigno Aquino III said earlier implementation of Section 393 of the Local Government Code will entail a substantial amount from government. Covering for the tuition of at least three children of every barangay official would need at least half a billion pesos.

Section 393 of the Local Government Code provides free matriculation for dependents of the barangay officials, GSIS insurance, as well as free medical assistance from government hospitals.

But Manatad said he will ask Cortes to grant the free matriculation privilege even slowly, starting with one child per barangay officials. He said the privilege will be a big help for barangay officials, especially to the barangay treasurer and secretary who are receiving just a very minimal honorarium from government.

Meanwhile, barangay captains in Mandaue City will undergo a seminar on parliamentary procedure, which will equip them of knowledge in the proper conduct of their proceedings.

Association of Barangay Councils President Ernie Manatad of Barangay Subangdaku said the seminar was initially intended for first time barangay captains, but the reelectionists have also requested to participate in the training.

There are 11 newly-elected barangay captains in Mandaue while 16 were reelected during the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections last October 2010.

The seminar will tackle basic knowledge on legislation, especially in the conduct of barangay sessions and passing and approving ordinances.

During the third ABC meeting last Monday afternoon, Manatad said the 27 barangay captains might have to be divided into clusters, which will be assigned a specific schedule for the seminar.

Aside from the barangay captains, Manatad said a separate seminar on conciliation will also be conducted among members of the Lupong ng Tagapamayapa. He said the Mandaue City Police Office may also hold a training and seminar among barangay tanods.

The barangay captains also elected leaders for its committees during last Monday's meeting. Among those selected for committee chairmanship were Basak Barangay Captain Vicente Dayanan for the committee on finance, Ibabao Barangay Captain Carmelino del Mar for the committee on laws, Canduman Barangay Captain Leo Jabas for the committee on rules, Mantuyong barangay captain Tony Maquillan for the committee on sports and culture, and Cabangcalan Barangay Captain Corregidor Cosedo for the committee on security and safety. - /JMO (THE FREEMAN)