Barangays told: Discuss disaster preparedness on assembly day

CEBU, Philippines - Disaster preparedness is among the issues the Department of Interior and Local Government wants to be discussed during the Barangay Assembly Day on March 29, 2014.

The DILG has reminded all the local chief executives and Associations of Barangay Councils the conduct of the Barangay Assembly Day for the first semester of year 2014.

Other than the disaster preparedness, subjects for discussions also include solid waste management, peace and order situation parti-cularly on the proliferation of activities pertaining to illegal drugs, and the monitoring and strict enforcement of the laws against human trafficking at the barangay level.

In a memorandum signed by Secretary Mar Roxas, the DILG has enjoined every barangay to undertake State of Barangay Address with emphasis on the 2013 accomplishments, financial reports and updates on the 2014 ongoing programs and projects.

The memorandum also stated that barangay officials may also undertake other activities they deemed appropriate to create public awareness on, and generate participation in, the barangay assembly, such as medical or dental mission, tiangge, cultural presentation, and others.

They are also enjoined to prepare barangay assembly posters or banners to be posted or hung in conspicuous places.

DILG regional directors are directed to submit a narrative and statistical reports to the National Barangay Operations Office not later than April 30, 2014.

Corresponding administrative complaint against barangay officials who fail to conduct a barangay assembly may be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, government or non-governmental entity before the city council or municipal council concerned. —(FREEMAN)