Brgys in CAR to conduct assembly on recent issues

The Department of the Interior and Local Government reminded barangays in the Cordillera to hold their first semester assembly this month.
The DILG reiterated the responsibilities of barangay officials to convene their residents to discuss their respective accomplishments and financial reports, to have an avenue to plan programs and projects for 2020, and to deliberate newly enacted local policies.
There are 1,176 barangays in the Cordillera. The general assembly should be held on any weekend of March.
In memorandum circular 2020-041, the DILG also emphasized that issues, such as Covid-19, road clearing operations, and the African swine fever should be tackled during the assembly.
“We should guarantee that the actions and decision taken by public officials respond to the needs of their constituents. Accountability and transparency is one of the key elements in good governance. Through these assemblies, the public is able to evaluate the effectiveness of their barangay officials if they are performing to their full potential,” DILG-Cordillera Director Marlo Iringan said.
Alongside other agenda, the assembly also aims to discuss issues or concerns affecting villages such as social services, peace and order, public safety, disaster risk reduction and management, environmental management, and economic development.
Iringan also enjoined barangay officials to discuss proper interventions to prevent occurrence of rape cases.
Barangay officials who fail to conduct assembly can be sued administratively by the residents, concerned citizens, and/or government and non-government entities pursuant to Section 61 of the Local Government Code.
The conduct of barangay assembly is stipulated under Section 397 of the Code and Proclamation 599 s. 2018.
The second semester barangay assembly should be held during weekends in October. – DILG release