The barangay is our basic political unit.  It “serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.”

All those were words in the local government code until we saw – and experienced – the important role of the barangay leaders during the pandemic.  From restricting our movements if a family member tested positive for Covid, to making the decision to move a family member to a quarantine facility, to declaring that household members could now end their isolation – the barangay leaders were responsible for that and many other functions that included the identification of ayuda beneficiaries, and distribution of the government’s cash assistance. 

Before the pandemic, many took the barangay’s role for granted. In fact, many families didn’t even know their barangay officials.  Perhaps the only time they would visit the barangay center would be to get a certificate of residency that is required to support documents for business, employment, or loan application. Some only interacted with barangay staff when they filed a complaint on a house break-in or on a troublesome neighbor. Others only saw their barangay kagawad leading an anti-dengue cleaning operation.

After the pandemic, we all know the importance of the barangay captain and kagawad (council members).  They were crucial frontliners who kept our communities clean and safe and who responded to a family’s needs during the hard lockdowns.

But the pandemic also uncovered barangay officials who were inefficient, irresponsible, and even dishonest. Many reports on traditional and social media exposed dishonest practices of padding the list of ayuda beneficiaries, and even distributing lesser amounts of cash assistance. 

We can all make sure that our barangay leaders are honest, efficient, and are there to truly serve their constituents – and not because they have personal and family interests to protect. On Oct. 30, 2023, we will have the chance to change or retain our barangay officials by voting in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). 

Those who had experienced inefficient barangay officials especially during the pandemic should go out of their way to get to know the candidates running for the position – and vote for the most eligible one. 

Better yet, those who have the skills to lead and manage barangay operations should consider running for barangay captain or barangay kagawad (council member). 

To qualify to run for barangay captain or kagawad, candidates must meet the following requirements: Must be a citizen of the Philippines; a registered voter in the barangay where the aspirant seeks to be elected; a resident in the barangay for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the election; able to read and write Filipino or any local language or dialect; and at least 18 years of age on election day.

Simultaneously held with the barangay elections will be the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections which offers young Filipinos the opportunity to shape their local communities. The SK chairperson and the SK kagawad, elected by the youth members within the barangay, will advocate for youth-oriented programs.  They are referred to as the “youthful driving force behind community development.”

Today, get to know your present barangay and SK leaders and those who intend to run for those positions. The filing of certificates of candidacy for these positions will start on Aug. 28 up to Sept. 2.