TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- More than 5,000 barangay officials from 462 barangays across the province gathered for the 12th Provincial Barangay Congress on April 25.

The congress aimed to acknowledge the dedication of barangay officials in upholding peace and order throughout the province.

Senators Imee Marcos and Bong Go graced the event and emphasized the indispensable role of barangays.

"Barangay is the basic unit in our country. In barangay, we are the first line of defense in addressing the concerns of our constituents. Barangay officials are frontliners of barangay service. Kayo ang mukha ng gobyerno sa bawat barangay (You are the face of the government in every Barangay),” she said. 

Go reiterated the crucial role of barangay officials and highlighted his legislative agenda, particularly Senate Bill No. 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to provide proper support for barangay officials, including salaries and allowances. He also advocated for Senate Bill No. 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Act, aiming to provide monthly honorariums and comprehensive benefits for Barangay Health Workers.

“Parati kong ipaglalaban ang barangay captains, kagawad. Naiintindihan ko ang trabaho ninyong  barangay officials kasi kayo ang nasa sa frontline,” he said. 

(I will always fight for the barangay captains, kagawad. I understand the work of barangay officials because you are on the frontline.)

Meanwhile, Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza Dimaporo urged everyone to continue collaborating to enhance peace and development in the province.

“Ako mag hinaot nga magpadayon gihapon atong pagtinabangay, kay kini dili lang para kanato,  kung dili alang kini sa kaugmaon sa atong mga kabatan-onan ug kaapohan nga umaabot. Let’s be united always for development and peace in our beloved province,”  she said. 

(I hope that we continue to collaborate because this is not just for us but for the future of our youth and the generations to come.)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government - Lanao del Norte commended the efforts of local government units and barangays in sustaining the gains of the national government. It recognized two drug-free and 26 drug-cleared barangays, along with two municipalities. Additionally, the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards provincial winner and runners-up barangays were acknowledged, along with three Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays awardees.

The Liga ng mga Barangay provided laptops and portable speakers to support barangay activities through a raffle draw. (LELA, PIA Region 10 -Lanao del Norte)