Dizon to Labella: Support baragays regardless of affiliation

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon is asking Mayor Edgardo Labella to give duly elected barangay officials all the support they need to do their jobs effectively and safely, regardless of their political affiliations.

Dizon said that there is a need for the city government and the barangays to work together to address the rapidly spreading pandemic the world is facing now.

He said allowing barangay governments to be at the frontline of delivery of relief services to the communities will help mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

“We should allow mutual cooperation to overcome this contagion. This is a time for solidarity not disunity,” said Dizon.

Dizon said that the barangay officials may be tasked to inform the residents in their area on the information and orders that need to be addressed to the public.

“In a pandemic, the city needs the help of the barangay governments to disseminate accurate and timely information to the general public. Misinformation and the spread of fake news can lead to public panic, confusion and unrest,” said Dizon.

He added that especially with the rampant spread of fake news, it is important that the public would be informed or be told of the accurate informations to not cause panic.

“COVID-19 will not be the last crisis we see. The city government will need the support of the barangays when the next crisis strikes,” said Dizon.

The City Council approved Dizon’s resolutions through corollary motions during its first online session on April 1.

To recall, Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak has also encouraged all the barangays to organize their own Sitio Peace Auxiliary (SPA) to help maintain peace and order in their respective areas.

Tumulak said SPA should comprise willing and able men residents who can guard their sitio. SPA members will be asked to patrol their sitio within a certain number of hours. They can also help barangay officials monitor who among the residents are suffering from infectious diseases.  JMD (FREEMAN)