DESPITE the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a barangay in Pasig still pushed through its barangay assembly and reported accomplishments and plans to its constituents.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the suspension of barangay assemblies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In spite of this challenge, Barangay San Antonio found a way to conduct the assembly.
Under Section 397 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as Local Government Code of 1991, barangays in the country are mandated to hold assemblies to update the public of their status—Saturdays and Sundays of March and October of every year as barangay assembly days.
In the spirit of transparency and in obedience to the law, Bgy. Chairman Raymond Lising pushed for the conduct of the barangay assembly and found a safe way to inform his kabarangays of the status of their village.
“Through Facebook live, themed “Barangay Bayanihan sa Panahon ng Pandemya Para sa Kaligtasan ng Mamamayan “we made possible to deliver our reports to reach people in our barangay assembly”, he said.
Lising, during the virtual barangay assembly, reported the accomplishments of the barangay that focused on the three basic principles of Good Governance in Barangay San Antonio—inclusivity, compassion, and digital innovation.
Due to the pandemic, Lising said their village activated their emergency response for the first time. Barangay San Antonio is well-known for its outstanding emergency response.
As of October 16, 2020, Lising said Barangay San Antonio’s financial state are as follows: Internal Revenue Allotment- P12, 984, 858; Real Property Tax-P67, 832, 020. 62; Barangay Clearance fees and other certifications- P16, 115, 907. 87; Realized income-P96, 932, 786. 49; and the ending Bank Balance is P24, 852, 000. 87.
Through its social services, Lising said they show compassion through their services for the public such as “Service with a Smile”, college scholarship grants, and assistances.
Currently, Lising said their barangay has 87 college scholars who are receiving P1,500 monthly allowance.
The barangay chairman said their kabarangays received 185 financial assistance; 127 medical assistance; and 85 funeral assistance.
Lising said they gave 16 centenarians (90 years old & up) P5, 000 each as cash aid;P1, 000 midyear cash gift to a total 1, 450 senior recipients; and 12 indigent seniors citizens will receive P1000 monthly.
So far, he said the barangay has conducted 125 swab tests; 59 antibody tests, and 553 rapid tests.
The chairman bragged that San Antonio is one of the few barangays with weekly Kapitan’s Report and COVID-19 updates, saying the DILG has even commended the barangay for such innovative initiative.
Lising has expressed gratitude to all the people who helped him in serving Barangay San Antonio.
