'TOL Views

Three weeks after the 2023 Barangay and Sangguninang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), both newly elected and re-elected barangay and SK officials gear up to build and lead their respective communities. As mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government, federations have been or will be formed and capacity building initiatives will have to be provided for these local officials, whose kind and quality of leadership in our basic political units will determine local as well as national growth and development.

Barangays play a central role in local governance.  Barangay officials are pivotal agents of change in their communities and are at the forefront of public service.  Hence, they should very well understand the leadership role they have taken when they were sworn to office. 

I believe that part of the capacity building initiatives for barangay officials should focus on helping them develop a clear and deep understanding and appreciation of their significant role as frontliners for the larger local government units like cities and municipalities of which they form an integral part.   

The support that barangays provide to cities and municipalities determine to large extent the success of local programs and the delivery of basic social services, which is often the yardstick by which good governance is measured. 

Ensuring a peaceful and orderly community is likewise a primary duty of barangay leaders.  Growth and development, most particularly economic development, is greatly dependent on the peace and order situation in the community. When peace and order cannot be guaranteed, local development is surely stalled.  It is the duty of barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of people, properties, and businesses, among others, in collaboration with higher units of government and the local police. 

Attached to the duty to maintain peace and order in the community is the duty of barangay officials to ensure unity and harmony among community members. Resolution of conflicts between and among the various stakeholders in the community is another important duty of barangay officials.  In this role as arbiter or mediator, officials will need to perform their duty with utmost impartiality and prudence and ensure that disagreements are peacefully and amicably settled.

Leading communities entail empowering the people and engaging them in leadership and governance.  When citizens are given opportunities to participate in community building, when platforms for consultation and dialogue are created, and when transparency is established as the prevalent culture in the barangay, solidarity in the community is guaranteed.  In order for people to develop a sense of ownership for community programs, in order to encourage their support and involvement, they should be made part of the process. Civic engagement is key to good local governance.

Barangay officials are like bridges that connect grassroots communities to the higher units of government.  Thus, no less than utmost diligence and commitment are expected from them as they perform their duties and responsibilities as public servants.  The higher duty of barangay officials, and perhaps all other public servants, is to lead and serve with honor and integrity, to inspire others through exemplary leadership and to steer communities to progress, prosperity and peace.