- Triumphant barangay officials take oath of office
A TOTAL of 1,456 Barangay newly elected officials from the three districts of Davao City took their oath of office on Monday afternoon, Nov. 13.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte administered the mass oath-taking in a brief ceremony at the Davao City Recreation Center.
Duterte reminded the officials to ignore the political drama and negative comments they may hear but prioritize the welfare of the constituents being the sole responsibility of barangay heads.
“Day 1 palang unsay tanaw ninyo nga gusto ninyo lihokon, barog mo diretso atimana na dayon ang mga barangay, ayaw padugaya, importante walay backlog,” Duterte said.
He also reminded them that one has to have a selfless disposition so as to work effectively. “Kung posisyon lang imong habol, dili ka kahimo og gwapo nga lugar. Kung ingana [selfless] ta tanan, gwapo gyud unta,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government city director Dr. Vicky Sarcena told the officials to “walk the talk” and to lead by example to their constituents.
“Your oath of office is not just a mere paper. It is your contact with the people who elected you. You are now mandated to upload the welfare of the people. Panahon na para tumanon inyong mga saad,” Sarcena said
She added the DILG will conduct BNEO training and orientation in the first week of December to guide the newly elected officials on their duties and functions.
The newly and reelected officials will immediately assume office upon taking their oaths pursuant to MC No. 2023-166 or the guidelines on the assumption of office of the BSKO last Oct 31, issued by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos.
DILG also laid out the schedule of inventory and turnover of the assets of the barangay from the outgoing officials to the incoming, which starts from Nov 14 until 21.
Initial priorities of barangay heads
Pacito Cañete, in his second term as barangay captain of Ma-a, said he will prioritize possible solutions to address the problem of flooding.
“Nagproblema mi kay bisag naay gamayng ulan, baha dayon, dili lang sa Ma-a kundi tibouk Davao, so mao nay tagaan natog prayoridad, ang mga problema sa pagbaha. Kung unsa pay dapat buhaton sa barangay, atong buhaton kay dako ang pagsalig sa mga tao sa atoa, nidaog gihapon so ipadayon nato atong trabaho,” Cañete said.
He will also push for the installation of traffic lights in Jollibee at the corner of GEM Village to aid traffic congestion.
Gilbert “Gigi” Mata, Barangay 5-A, Barangay Captain said he will focus on “good governance” since being the former village councilor, he vouched they have provided services to their constituents.
“Priority nato kung unsay panginahanglan sa atong mga constituents. Ang among ginatawag nga good governance, nga among itama ug dugangan ang mga wala nahimo sa previous administration,” Mata said.
Mata won over Edgar Ibuyan Sr., who headed Barangay 5-A for 20 years. Mata carries the slogan “pagMATA na” (wake up). ” Ang barangay mismo ang dalhon namo sa matag purok, para mahibal an namo unsay ilang mga problema o mga mulo,” he added.
Omar Vincent Duterte of Barangay Buhangin said he will prioritize the sewage system in the barangay as flooding continues to be a problem as well. He will also look into putting an end to the illegal gambling activities.
Omar is the son of Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte and is the fourth Duterte in local politics. He will be asking the guidance of his family in politics considering it is his first time.
“Base sa ingon nila sa akoa ipadayon kung unsay maayo para sa mga tao, serbisyo lang jud,” he stressed.
