Outstanding punong barangays of the city for 2020 and 2021 were recognized during the regular executive-legislative meeting recently.
Those recognized for 2020 are PB Arthur Carlos of Irisan, PB Nemesio Huag of Gibraltar, PB Anselm Tao-ing of West Quirino Hill, PB Angelina Ramos of Camp 7, Josephine Balusdan of Sto. Tomas Proper, PB Elsie Magdalene Tindoc of Manuel Roxas, PB May Gonzales of Aurora Hill Proper, PB Ma. Teresa Caracas of Upper Market, Ariel De Monte of DPS, and PB Debbie Banagui of Magsaysay Private road.
Top PBs for 2021 are Arthur Carlos of Irisan, Dinah Campos of Upper Quezon Hill, Raul Caronongan of MRR-Queen of Peace, Jefferson Cheng of AZCKO, Joey David of Upper Rock Quarry, Socorro Fernandez of Imelda Village, Florita Gacayan of Palma Urbano, Enrique Lindaoan (+) of Lucnab, represented by Jerry Esteban and Mrs. Lindaoan, Manolo Llaneta of Scout Barrio, and Nicanor Nialla of San Antonio Village.
Banagui was hailed as Hall of Famer for being a top barangay executive for three consecutive years.
Special Services Division Officer-in-Charge Michelle Agbuya said the search for the Top 10 Punong Barangays in Baguio has been an institutionalized activity of the Rotary Club of Metro Baguio since 1994. The search went on during the pandemic years through the efforts of the Rotary Club and support from the city government; SSD-City Mayor’s Office); Liga ng mga Barangay; and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The awarding ceremonies were put on hold in 2020 and 2021 but the search pushed through.
Criteria for judging have evolved with the need of the times but focus on the implementation of livelihood projects, anti-drug abuse campaign, peace and order, women and children protection, establishment of a barangay human rights action center, health and sanitation, and environment protection and climate change.
The PBs were also evaluated in terms of having a katarungang pambarangay or lupong tagapamayapa, how well the annual budget and annual development plans were prepared, the adoption and maintenance of parks, monitoring and prevention of proliferation of illegal structures, enforcement of anti-squatting laws and ordinances, family background, and leadership traits. – Julie G. Fianza
