The 187 representatives of the 18 barangays in San Carlos City underwent a two-day orientation on Barangay Newly Elected Officials Towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (BNEO GREAT) from March 7-8, 2024, at Mambukal Resort, Municipality of Murcia.

The basic orientation course aimed at preparing new barangay officials to meet the challenges in political and administrative leadership at the community and barangay levels.

Topics include the basics of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 for Barangays, Barangay Development Plan and Capacity Development Agenda, barangay budget, participation in governance, DILG and its Projects, Programs, and Activities (PPAs), public ethics and accountability, and Barangay Agenda for Governance and Development (B-GAD).

DILG Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr., thru Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay of Negros Occidental, said barangay officials’ role is crucial to peace and development. They should be ready and capable of exercising their responsibilities among their constituents in line with the Bagong Pilipinas Program of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Abalos hoped the officials would commit to public service in performing their duties.

San Carlos City Mayor Renato Y. Gustilo assured his support for the plans and programs of barangay officials for their constituents.

City Vice Mayor Christopher Paul S. Carmona hoped that the DILG would provide the participants with a refresher course, especially on the Local Government Code and other topics related to local legislation, since barangay officials are at the forefront of developments in their areas of responsibility.

Carmona reminded them to listen to their constituents’ concerns and be ready to assist with programs and projects.