The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded the concerned local officials nationwide to conduct the second semester 2024 barangay assembly this October or run the risk of facing administrative sanctions.
In a statement, the DILG stressed that Memorandum Circular (MC) 2024-136 states that the second semester of the barangay assembly should be conducted on any of the October weekends.
“Concerned barangay officials are reminded that failure to conduct Barangay Assembly for the second semester of CY (calendar year) 2024 in accordance with Section 397 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and Proclamation No. 599, Series of 2018, may be grounds for administrative sanctions, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations,’’ the memorandum stated.
The DILG also encouraged the public to actively participate and confer with the barangay officials on the programs they intend to pursue or have pursued during the Barangay Assembly.
“Karapatan ng bawat Juan at Juana (each citizen) na malaman ang mga nakalaang programa, mga plano at ulat pananalapi ng bawat barangay (It is the right of every Juan and Juana to be knowledgeable on the proposed program, plans and financial report of every barangay),’’ the DILG emphasized.
“Section 4.2.1 of DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-136 states that the Barangay Secretary shall prepare a written notice regarding the conduct of the Barangay Assembly and disseminate the same to the residents one week before the scheduled activity, in compliance with Section 397(c) of the Local Government Code of 1991. The dissemination of the said notice may be undertaken by the barangays through posting in any online platform or social media,’’ it added.
However, the DILG urged barangay officials to post or hang Barangay Assembly tarpaulins, posters, banners and the like in conspicuous areas like the barangay hall, transport terminals, public market, talipapa (flea market), health stations etc. and publish them on the official barangay website or social media platforms.
To increase more public awareness on the activity, the Barangay Assembly tarpaulins, banners, posters etc, must be hung one week before the event and be removed immediately after the assembly.
The DILG pointed out that individuals at least 15 years old, residents of the said barangay for more than six months, Filipino citizens and registered members of the “Barangay Assembly’’ may participate in the activity.
“Ginagawa ang barangay assembly dalawang beses o higit pa sa loob ng isang taon upang mapag-usapan ang mga aktibidad ng barangay, mga suliranin ng barangay na kinakailangang tutukan at iresolba, pati na ang mga gastusin at badyet nito (The barangay assembly are held two times or more every year where activities, problems that need immediate attention are prioritized and resolved including the financial aspect are discussed),’’ the DILG continued.