CONGRESSWOMAN LAGMAN HIGHLIGHTS BARANGAY INNOVATION IN PRIVILEGE SPEECH

-
CONGRESSWOMAN LAGMAN HIGHLIGHTS BARANGAY INNOVATION IN PRIVILEGE SPEECH

By: Nel Adtoon
 
First District of Albay Representative Krisel Lagman delivered a privilege speech yesterday to recognize the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Barangay Initiatives of 2025, emphasizing the need to empower the country’s basic political units and foster innovation in local governance.
 
The awards were conferred during the Galing Pook Awards Ceremony on December 3, 2025, at Malacañang Palace. The ten exemplary barangays were selected from 132 national entries following a rigorous screening, validation, and presentation process before a panel of judges. This year marks a historic milestone for the Galing Pook Foundation, which has recognized innovative local government programs since 1993 – it is the first time in three decades that the awards have focused exclusively on barangays, the government institution closest to Filipino citizens.
 
Lagman, a former barangay captain in Albay, shared personal insights into the heavy responsibilities shouldered by local officials. “The barangay is also closest to my heart,” she stated. “As a former kapitana of our hometown in Albay, I have experienced firsthand the complex and challenging responsibilities shouldered by our barangay officials: implementing national policies on the ground; crafting and managing budgets; maintaining peace and order; mediating conflicts; responding to crises; guiding the Sangguniang Kabataan; and ensuring compliance with laws.” She noted that these duties are often carried out with limited resources and recognition, and that some innovative barangays fear penalties for their creative approaches, hindering potential progress. She emphasized that “innovation should be encouraged, not punished; nurtured, not feared,” and called on legislators to reflect on how laws can better support barangay-level governance. A key quote from Mel Sarmiento – former DILG Secretary, Samar representative, Calbayog mayor, and Galing Pook executive director – underscored this point: “When governance is closest to the people and accountable to them, real change happens.”
 
Lagman extended her gratitude to the awardees for serving as models of creativity, collaboration, and compassion for other communities. She also acknowledged the over 42,000 barangays nationwide, describing them as frontline service providers, first responders in crises, and the bridge between government and citizens.
 
The congresswoman announced her intention to file a resolution formally congratulating the 2025 award recipients and called on her colleagues to support its adoption. She concluded by urging public servants to strengthen and empower barangays through legislation that fosters innovation, addresses community needs, and institutionalizes good governance practices across the Philippines. “Dios Mabalos sa indo gabos! Mabuhay po kayong lahat!” she said.

                                  ###

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tragedy Strikes: 11 Dead in UV Express Accident on Nabua-Legazpi Route

-
Image
Camalig, Albay – A devastating accident has claimed the lives of 11 out of 13 passengers aboard a UV Express van traveling from Nabua to Legazpi. The tragic news was confirmed at 5:00 PM today, plunging the municipality into deep mourning. Authorities are working diligently to identify the victims, some of whom were found without identification.   The Philippine National Police (PNP) Nabua, led by PLTCOL Dominic Borigas, has been coordinating closely with PNP Camalig since the early afternoon to manage the situation. Their efforts are focused on the proper identification of the deceased and ensuring immediate support is provided to the grieving families. The incident has left families facing unimaginable loss, with the community uniting in grief and support.   In the wake of the tragedy, the Municipal Government has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of Albay, the Municipal Government of Camalig led by Mayor Caloy Baldo, the Bureau of Fire P...
Read more

Heartbreaking Final Vows: Love Ends in Tragedy in Camalig Crash

-
Image
  In a heartbreaking turn of events, the families of the young couple who perished in the tragic road accident in Camalig, Albay, have chosen to proceed with their wedding despite the devastating loss. The couple, from Nabua, Camarines Sur, was on their way to Legazpi to obtain a CENOMAR—their required document for their planned December wedding—when their journey was cut short in a fatal crash.   The accident, which claimed the lives of the couple and left their families in profound grief, has become a poignant reminder of love’s fragility. The young lovers’ final moments were meant to mark the beginning of their shared future, but instead, their story ended in a tragic and emotional climax. Their families, however, decided to honor their love by proceeding with the wedding plans, not as a celebration, but as a tribute to the bond that was meant to be.   Amidst the sorrow, the families gathered to pay their last respects, choosing to celebrate the love that t...
Read more

SI SALCEDA, SI CO, SI BONGALON ASIN AN KONTROBERSIYA SA 2024 BUDGET

-
Image
SI SALCEDA, SI CO, SI BONGALON ASIN AN KONTROBERSIYA SA 2024 BUDGET SIMPLENG DUON Ni: Nel Adtoon An kontrobersya sa 2024 badyet nagpapaheling nin importansiya kan pagkakasuway kan katotohanan asin kan pagdududa, pati na ang mga kaluyahan sa proseso kan paggibu asin pagpasar kan badyet para sa masunod na taon kan bilog na nasyon. Bagaman malinaw na pinagdideny ni Salceda na wara siyang kinaraman sa insertions sa mga probisyon sa badyet kan 2024, ang katotohanan na ang saiyang ideya kan taong 2023 naging batayan kan sarong probisyong pinagbasehan kan Korte Suprema bilang suway sa konstitusyon siertong nagpapaheling nin importansiya kan mas mahigot na pagaadal asin konsultasyon sa gabos na pinagaagihan kan sarong lehislasyon.  Malinaw an binuwian na tataramon ni Ex-Justice Carpio na siya an utak kan nangyaring iregularidad sa badyet kan 2024. Mas pinakusog pa ini kan dae pwedeng ideny na political allies niya an nakatukaw na Appropriation Chairman na si Zaldy Co as...
Read more