Cebu’s ‘best’ brgy officials honored

CEBU, Philippines – To live up to their role as public servants, Gloria Arcelo-Sanchez believes they should espouse the virtues of commitment and dedication.

Sanchez, the barangay captain of Poblacion, Liloan town, wants fellow public servants to commit to their duties, saying it becomes their vow to  their constituents after getting elected.

Yesterday, Sanchez was among The Outstanding Barangay Officials (TOBOY) recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government-Cebu for 2015.

“Kung wa’y commitment, lisod kaayo. Buhaton gyod ang gipanumpaan. Wa ko nag-expect ani kay ako ra mang gibuhat ang angay buhaton sa usa ka barangay official,” she told The FREEMAN.

She credited the recognition to her colleagues and constituents who have been “supportive” in all her barangay’s initiatives and projects. She shared that she earlier received the same honor during the regional level.

DILG conferred yesterday the recognition to Sanchez, along with other barangay officials, at the Capitol Social Hall.

For the component city category, the winners were barangay captains Carlito Castañares of Can-asujan in Carcar City; Marietta Bucao of San Isidro, Talisay City; and Ronilo Tejero of Baliang, Danao City.

Also bagging the award were councilmen Rowel Lanuza of Ocaña, Carcar City; Melchor Caputolan of Baliag, Danao City; Edwin Enerlan of Bulacao, Talisay City; treasurers Rebecca Ferer of Guadalupe, Carcar City, Perla Caputolan of Baliag, Danao City; Cynthia Pañares of North Poblacion, City of Naga; and secretaries Anita Tejero of Baliag, Danao City; and Aileen Salvador of Poblacion III, Carcar City.

For the municipal category, Sanchez was joined by other barangay captains, namely, Julieto Flores of Patupat, Barili; Ligaya Hortelano of San Vicente, Tabogon; Vivian Batayola of Sillon, Bantayan; Roger Miranda of Talaga, Argao; Rodillo dela Cerna of Putat, Tuburan; Rolando Sultones of Pansoy, Sogod; and Leticia Perpetua of Pajo, Daanbantayan.

The councilmen who were recognized in this same category were Ellein Conje of Maya, Daanbantayan; Lourdes Tan of Nasipit, Barili; Maria Elena Ali of Poblacion East, Moalboal; secretaries Felipa Salazar of Nasipit, Barili; Delia Sasing of San Vicente, Liloan; Judith Sambrana of Salagmaya, Alcantara; and Tessie Conde of Calape, Daanbantayan; and treasurers Charlene Tomaquin of Cabadiangan, Alcantara; Jacquiline Villacampa of Pooc, Santa Fe; Glady Gomez of Agujo, Daanbantayan; and Jhoan Mongaya of Kawit, Medellin.

For many of the awardees, the honor served as a challenge to perform better this year.

“This is a challenge for me to improve more next year. Our barangay will maintain transparency and accountability by strictly implementing the full-disclosure policy,” said Mongaya, a barangay treasurer.

Each of the barangay captains, councilmen, treasurers and secretaries received cash incentives amounting P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000, respectively.

According to DILG, the annual search is designed to give recognition to barangay officials who have shown exemplary performance in the discharge of their duties.

Board Member Celestino Martinez, also the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, said the winners were adjudged based on their accomplishments and performance.

The screening committee was composed of representatives from the Liga ng mga Barangay, DILG and non-government organizations, he said.

“This is one way of enhancing their capability and encouraging them to be more active and develop more programs diha sa barangay level. This will go a long way,” Martinez added. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga/JMD (FREEMAN)