Tarlac City, Tarlac – for the first semester of 2019, DILG Region III showcased the barangay assembly of San Rafael, Tarlac City held at the San Rafael covered court on March 30, 2019.

This is in connection with Section 397 (b) of the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates barangays to conduct assemblies at least twice a year, reinforced by Proclamation No 599 issued by President Duterte in 2018 declaring all Saturdays and Sundays of March and October as barangay assembly days.

Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles addressed the crowd, saying Barangay San Rafael is fortunate to have been chosen as this semester's regional showcase assembly from among the city's 76 barangays.

She emphasized that a barangay assembly is the best way to make known a barangay's accomplishments and to hear from the constituents their issues and concerns.

"Ang paglalahad po ng ating mga nagawa ay hindi pagyayabang o pagbubuhat ng bangko... ito po ay paraan upang  masiguro ang transparency sa ating mga kababayan," she said.

DILG Tarlac Provincial Director Belina Herman thanked the barangay officials and acknowledged their hard work in preparing for this semester's regional showcase, given the short time to prepare. She then introduced DILG Regional Director Julie Daquioag as keynote speaker.

RD Daquioag commended the barangay officials for their preparation and explained that San Rafael was chosen among the city's barangays because of its notable performance in peace and order, environmental management, and financial transparency.

She also likened the event to a gift that is intended for the people of San Rafael because they are provided with the platform to raise their concerns to the barangay officials.

"Ang barangay assembly ay hindi lamang ginagawa dahil lamang sa isang utos. Ito po ay isinasagawa upang malaman ninyo ang accomplishment ng barangay," she said.

Tarlac City Local Government Operations Officer Robert Diola relayed the message of DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año that highlights the importance of conducting barangay assemblies, including several points about the government's efforts on environmental management, disaster preparedness, anti-corruption, criminality, anti-terrorism, and good local governance.

In his State of Barangay Address, Punong Barangay Cernan Cruz thanked the hardworking men and women behind the achievements of the barangay.

He reported the accomplishments of the council from the 2nd semester of 2018 to present on barangay facilities, cultural activities, health and education services, solid waste management, peace and order and public safety activities, disaster preparedness measures, telecommunication strategies, animal welfare, agriculture and aquaculture services, livelihood trainings, and infrastructure.

PB Cernan shared his personal milestone having been conferred with the Gawad Tarlakenyo Award from Governor Susan Yap. He then gave a detailed report about the finances of the barangay for the past and current year to stress that every centavo is well spent for the benefit of the people.

Lastly, he announced the upcoming projects on infrastructure and flood control for 2019 and the most recent ordinances issued by the barangay council to include the reorganization and strengthening of different barangay-based institutions (BBIs).

The event was flocked by nearly 700 people from all walks of life as well as representatives from DILG, PDEA, PNP, BFP, BJMP, DENR-EMB, Liga ng mga Barangay, city government officials, and civil society organizations.