40 tanods to get double cash incentives

CEBU, Philippines — While he cancelled the allowances of tanods from three villages, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has doubled the monthly honoraria of 40 tanods assigned in the upland barangays of Bonbon and Taptap.

Osmeña said tanods of Barangays Bonbon and Taptap have been working “very well” that is why he is doubling their P4,000 monthly allowance for the month of August.

 “As long as they use the money correctly, I will give them their allowances. Not just that, I will give them motorcycles, radios, flashlights, raincoats, service vehicle, Nike shoes,” he told reporters yesterday.

While Taptap and Bonbon are led by barangay captains not affiliated with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan, Osmeña said he will still increase the tanods’ allowances to show he is not politicking.

The mayor promised to continue doubling their monthly allowances if they will sustain their good performance.

He said he is also willing to double the honoraria of tanods in other barangays “if they deserve it.”

The mayor is monitoring the barangays’ performance through their weekly reports.

The city government is giving P4,000 allowance to each 1,600 barangay tanods all over the city. Each of the 80 barangays has at least 20 tanods.

On the other hand, COSAP has forwarded the accomplishment reports of Barangays Taptap and Bonbon to Osmeña.

COSAP Chief Garry Lao said the barangays are active in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, particularly in monitoring suspected drug dens, increasing tanod visibility, and implementing We Care assistance, among others.

Lao said Barangay Bonbon has adopted a purok system while Barangay Taptap has been active in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Under the purok system, residents are being involved in the implementation of the programs of the local governments.

The two barangays are intensifying their efforts in a bid to attain a drug-free barangay, Lao said.

Councilor David Tumulak, also the deputy mayor for police matters, is hoping that other barangays will replicate the achievements of Barangays Bonbon and Taptap.

Tumulak said he will be sponsoring a resolution charging the incentives against the city’s Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation funds.

It can be recalled that Osmeña ordered the cancellation of the distribution of honoraria to tanods and lupong tagapamaya of Barangays Mambaling, Paril, and Poblacion Pardo for their failure to submit complete accomplishment reports for the month of August. (FREEMAN)