DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2017-31 entitled: “Conduct of Barangay Assembly for the First Semester of CY 2018” reiterates Proclamation No. 260 declaring the last Saturday of March and second Sunday of October as Barangay Assembly Days. Thus, the Barangay Assembly Day for the first semester of CY 2018 was set on March 31, 2018 which fell on Black Saturday, a Lenten holiday commemorated by Catholics nationwide.

Still, Barangay Sangay in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, the showcase barangay of Caraga region successfully held the assembly with a 458-strong number of attendees. In line with the theme, “Kapit-kamay tungo sa Pagbabago ng Barangay! Makiisa! Makilahok! Makialam!”, Punong Barangay Mateo B. Mapute, Sr. delivered the State of Barangay Address (SOBA) highlighting the accomplishments of the barangay in governance. The Barangay Treasurer gave a comprehensive financial report while a representative of the Barangay Council presented on updates of 2018 programs and projects of the barangay.

One of the highlights of the assembly was the reading of Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) - Officer-in-charge Eduardo Año by DILG Caraga Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Donald A. Seronay wherein he stressed that the barangay has a big contribution to the country. The message also enjoined all community members to be active partners in the fight against drugs and corruption and called on barangay officials to be “matino, mahusay, at maaasahan.”

Other guests present were Buenavista Chief of Police (COP) PCI Calvin N. Placer, Jr. who discussed drug clearing operation, PO2 Allen Genilla who talked on Anti-trafficking in Person (ATIP), and 1^st LT Arthur Vincent Vidad for the peace and order situationer. 

Buenavista Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) briefly presented on the “Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan campaign for the 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE)” and Introduction to Federalism.   

by LGOO V Emmylou P. Burias