House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured barangay officials that reforms improving their welfare are on the way, as Congress will continue to push for bills and laws addressing their concerns. INQUIRER PHOTO / NI脩O JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines聽 鈥� House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured barangay officials that reforms improving their welfare are on the way, as Congress will continue to push for bills and laws addressing their concerns.
Romualdez, in a message to the members of the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas 鈥� Tacloban Chapter who are having a four-day comprehensive training in Ermita, Manila, said that the House will seek to strengthen their capacity to lead so that they can perform their duties better.
鈥淭he House of Representatives, under my leadership, is committed to giving barangay officials the dignity and support you deserve. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan, dahil hindi niyo rin kami iniwan,鈥� Romualdez said.聽 鈥淲e will continue pushing for laws that recognize your sacrifices, secure your future, and strengthen your capacity to lead.鈥�
(We will not neglect you as you have not left us.)
鈥淚n every crisis, in every challenge, in every moment of need, you are the first to respond. Kayo ang unang tinatakbuhan ng tao, kayo rin ang unang sumasalo sa problema. That is why ensuring your strength, security, and stability is not just a commitment 鈥� it is a duty,鈥� he added.
(People run to you first, and you are at the frontline of solving problems.)
Romualdez mentioned several bills that seek to empower barangay officials and improve services in communities, such as House Bill No. 11287, which seeks to extend the terms of barangay officials from just three years to six years.
Last January 28, the House approved on second reading the measure.聽 If enacted, it will amend Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly Section 42, which limits barangay officials鈥� term to six years per term.
READ: House bill extending barangay execs term OKd on 2nd reading
鈥淲hy?聽 Because real progress takes time. Ang tunay na pagbabago, hindi minamadali鈥攑inagtitibay (True progress is not rushed, but is strengthened). This measure will allow you to execute long-term programs, reduce election disruptions, and focus on what truly matters: serving the people,鈥� Romualdez noted.
Among the other initiatives that Romualdez said the House will support are the proposed Social Security System (SSS) Coverage for Barangay Officials, and the Magna Carta for Barangays.
The Magna Carta, Romualdez said, will institutionalize benefits while providing structured salaries to barangay officials.
鈥淭hat is why we in Congress continue to fight for measures that uplift barangay officials, ensuring that you are given the resources, recognition, and respect you deserve,鈥� he said.
鈥淭his four-day training program is not just about learning鈥攊t is about preparing, strengthening, and securing the future of our communities. Ang barangay na handa, bayan ang panalo (Barangays that are prepared equals towns that triumph),鈥� he added.
Romualdez said training them is not only meant to boost their technical skills but to also allow the government to keep communities safe and thriving.
鈥淟et us continue working together for a Bagong Pilipinas鈥攚here every barangay is strong, every leader is supported, and every community is thriving,鈥� he said.
With reports from Keith Irish Clores, trainee