The DILG Camarines Sur joined Brgy. South Villazar, Sipocot, Camarines Sur, the Provincial Showcase Barangay, during the conduct of the First Semester Synchronized Barangay Assembly on March 31, 2018 with the theme, “Kapit-Kamay tungo sa Pagbabago ng Barangay: Makiisa! Makilahok! Makialam!”

Provincial Director Melody E. Relucio, CESO V lauded the barangay as having been chosen as the showcase barangay as she delivered the message of DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año.

Punong Barangay Anacorita I. Dullas, who has been serving the barangay for seventeen years, presented the State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) highlighting the Barangay’s accomplishments for the past six (6) months on infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and management, and gender and development, among others. She commended the cooperation of her constituents and further encouraged their continuing support as the barangay tackles the priority programs, projects and activities (PPAs) for CY 2018. Concerned barangay officials also presented their accomplishments on their respective committee assignments. The barangay assembly gave the members attending,  an avenue where to raise their pressing needs and concerns, particularly with regard to infrastructure in certain sitios.

Also present was PCI Ace Christian R. Mendoza, the Acting Chief of Police, who discussed the importance of the Barangay Justice System and reminded the barangay assembly members of the cases under the jurisdiction of the Lupong Tagapamayapa which must be filed to the latter and not directly to the Municipal Police Station. He also informed the body of the status of Surrendering Drug Users (SDUs) and proposed LGU interventions. ACOP Mendoza strongly encouraged the residents to report drug-related issues and concerns in the barangay thru the PNP Hotline.

To further inform the public of President Duterte’s thrust to pursue a federal form of government, LGOO VII-Cluster Head Angela M. Galvo discussed the salient features of federalism. She looked forward to the cooperation and participation of the barangays, should there be forums and campaigns in the next coming months, in order to guide them in rendering their informed decisions in the future.

The Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, LGOO VI Liz Anne D. Ramos, emphasized the importance of barangay assembly as an avenue where one can know, understand, and resolve barangay issues and concerns. Highlighting its importance as a tool for the Department to inform the community of its programs, compliance to national laws and issuances such as Barangay Full Disclosure Policy Board and Batas Kasambahay Law were also discussed. The public was also informed of the use of ballots which were printed for October 23, 2017 for the purpose of the upcoming Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections on May 14, 2018. More importantly, they were reminded to vote for barangay and SK officials who are “matino, mahusay at maaasahan.”