CITY OF MALOLOS – In recognition of the exemplary service and unwavering dedication to grassroots governance of barangays, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) honored the province’s exceptional barangay projects and barangay workers during the 23rd Gawad Galing Barangay (GGB) held at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here recently.
The awardees were five barangay programs that excelled under the Gawaing Pambarangay with P200,000 cash incentives, which includes the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management Program of Brgy. Bulihan, Plaridel; Proyektong Pambarangay Tatak I Love Santisima of Brgy. Santisima, City of Malolos; Pagtalima, Adbokasiya at Pagkakaisa sa Responsableng Pamamahala ng Basura of Brgy. San Isidro II, Paombong; Gulayan sa Barangay of Brgy. Guyong, Santa Maria; and Pagkakaisa at Pagkakasundo Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaayusan of Brgy. Balatong-A, Pulilan.
Additionally, three barangay officials were recognized under Lingkod Barangay where Esperanza S. Garcia of Brgy. Bulihan, Plaridel was honored as the Best Punong Barangay with a cash prize of P50,000 while Eric A. Caratao of Brgy. Pinaod, San Ildefonso was awarded as the Best Kagawad, and Jessie P. Gata of Brgy. Balatong-A, Pulilan was named Best Kalihim, both received P20,000.
Volunteer workers were also awarded including Imelda V. Lopez, LLN from Brgy. San Jose, Paombong; Lealyn L. Merencillo, Mother Leader from Brgy. San Roque, Angat; Shynie D. Delos Santos, BTEC from Brgy. San Vicente, Santa Maria; Evangeline Z. Quintana, BHW from Kaypian, City of San Jose Del Monte; and Reychie A. Garcia, Brgy. Tanod from Santo Cristo, City of Baliwag, each took home a cash prize of P20,000, while the Kabalikat Civicom Association Incorporated, Sta. Maria Chapter from Brgy. Pulong Buhangin, Santa Maria, won as the outstanding Volunteer Group with P50,000 cash incentive.
In his message, Governor Daniel R. Fernando expressed his deep appreciation for the contributions of barangay leaders and workers in ensuring the effective delivery of public services at the local level.
“Direkta ninyong nakikita at naririnig ang tunay na kalagayan at suliranin ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi na lamang kayo tagapagdaloy at tagasunod sa mga ibinababang atas at proyekto, sa inyo na nagsisimula ang inisyatibo. Sa inyo nagmumula ang reporma dahil hindi kayo nagbubulag-bulagan o nagbibingi-bingihan. Bagkus nagsisilbi kayong boses upang maiparating sa pamahalaan ang tunay na pagbabagong kailangan ng ating bayan,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, in memory of the late Board Member and Bulacan ABC President Ramilito Capistrano, guest of honor and Liga ng Mga Barangay National Federation President Maria Katrina Jessica G. Dy paid tribute to all the barangay officials and workers, noting that 34 attacks on barangay officials have been recorded across the country this year, from which 23 died.
“Walang benepisyo ang ating mga barangay officials, pagkatapos niyan, nanganganib pa ang buhay – pero nagsisilbi pa rin ang ating mga barangay officials sa ating bansa. Iyan po ang mga dakilang leader ng ating bayan,” she said.
She also mentioned that 17 bills proposing term adjustments for barangay officials have already been filed in the Senate and Congress and expressed hope for the swift approval of these bills.
