LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office for Bicol has reminded barangay chiefs to conduct an assembly on October 8 or face sanctions.
DILG Regional Director Eloisa Pastor, in a phone interview on Wednesday, said the reminder is for the barangay chairmen to conduct the assembly and to make sure that all will comply.
Pastor said barangay assembly is one way of giving the people the right to be informed of what is happening in their respective villages. Ongoing development, projects and other concerns can be discussed during the dialogue between the residents and the village officials to share their ideas, sentiments, issues, recommendations and other barangay-related concerns.
Under Section 397 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, barangay assembly is mandated to be done at least twice a year, Pastor said.
“Barangay officials who fail to conduct a barangay assembly may face corresponding administrative complaints which can be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, governmental or non-governmental entity before the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan concerned,” said Pastor.
Village officials who will fail to hold an assembly will be requested to explain, she said.
The Barangay Assembly Day is anchored on the theme: “Sulong Barangay Kontra Droga, Krimen at Katiwalian: Makialam! Makilahok! Makiisa!” (PNA)
