DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor announced on Tuesday, Jan. 6, that his committee is set to conduct a follow-up hearing this month on the new names of the 40 barangays here.

Committee on Government Properties chairperson Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. said that the Office of the Culture and Arts, headed by Oscar Casaysay, had earlier conducted a seminar and lecture to barangay officials, providing them guidance on the naming process.

“At the time, several barangays requested more time to determine appropriate names,” Quitain said, adding that barangays were advised that if they encountered difficulty in choosing a name, they could consult either Casaysay or the councilor himself at his office.

Quitain noted that his office did not receive any requests for assistance, leading him to presume that the barangay officials had not encountered significant difficulties. He added that he will find out this month what names they have chosen, and from there they can proceed to the next step.

The councilor emphasized that the process involves more than simply selecting a name. He said the concerned barangays are required to submit a written explanation and supporting literature justifying their chosen name, including its historical basis.

“Once complete, the list of proposed names, together with their supporting documents, will be submitted to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for review. If the NHCP’s comment is favorable, the matter will be reported to the city council for second reading,” he said.

Quitain said he does not intend to push for an ordinance requiring a plebiscite at this stage, citing the high cost involved. He added that during previous committee hearings, the Commission on Elections estimated that a plebiscite could cost at least P20 million.

Instead, the council is considering adopting a resolution, which would be suggestive rather than having the force of law. With this approach, barangays would retain its numerical designations, with the proposed names appended, to allow residents to become familiar with them.

“A plebiscite may be considered in the future if the country’s financial situation improves,” the councilor said, adding that for now, the council and other concerned offices are currently working with 40 barangays.

Quitain admitted that the process would take time. He said some barangays have encountered disputes over similar or duplicate names, particularly among adjacent barangays, requiring them to propose alternatives.

“There is really no deadline to this. It is an ongoing process,” Quitain said, adding that as the proponent of the measure, he considers it his responsibility to ensure that the naming process moves forward and that the proposals are eventually submitted to NHCP for approval.