Compliance With Law Is On Good Citizen
Barangay Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan held its Barangay Assembly in the morning of Saturday, October 21, 2006.
Poblacion, Kalibo is in the Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan. Being such, it is the premier barangay of Aklan. Considering its stature, I decided to attend as I did its Barangay assembly.
I chose to observe Barangay Assembly of Poblacion, Kalibo being the premier barangay of Aklan among all the 16 barangays which held its barangay assembly simultaneously that day, October 21.
What did I learn? There was an overflow of people as the barangay hall was filled with people. They were young people below 20 years old, who mostly represented the depressed areas of Kalibo such as from C. Laserna area. Those present were persons with less in life and less of those who have more. People of great stature, businessmen, civic leaders and those who have more at stake should have attended the barangay assembly. But where are they?
Hon. Leny Clavel was discussing about disaster preparedness when I came in. Hon. Clavel is a barangay kagawad of Poblacion, Kalibo. After him, the SK Chairman of Poblacion, Kalibo discussed his accomplishment on youth development.
I asked a woman near me if there is a copy of the agenda. I was told, "there is no agenda". I asked if the barangay SK chair has provided copies of his report being reported. "There is no copy of his report." I asked if any report of accomplishment in writing is provided the participants of the assembly. The same, "none".
So what are to be discussed? "Any problem the participants may asked the barangay captain and his kagawads, may do", I was told. So, the assembly has no direction, no target. A question as to what are the facilities available in case a disaster happens was asked. The reply was a series of excuses, as the "Barangay has a very limited fund."
It will be to the best interest of the barangay people to have the subject matters to be discussed presented with agenda. The assembly may have a theme to guide the discussion and goals to accomplish. The participants will appreciate to hear and read accomplishment reports from their leaders. A copy of the budget maybe provided the barangay people so that the officials and the people may match the accomplishments with the budget. People will understand that the quantity and quality of accomplishment is dependent upon the budget available. A participant told me, "I have never seen a barangay budget since I began attending barangay meetings".
Moreover, barangay officials will become highly motivated in their jobs should the people representing all social and economic status will participate in barangay affairs like the barangay assembly.
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The Municipal Engineer of Kalibo is having difficulty in the enforcement of the Building Code of the Philippines and even the related municipal ordinance of Kalibo.
A good example is the construction of fence on the piece of land of the late Mr. Emiliano Salazar and Mrs. Elsie Salazar. A building permit was applied and permit was issued for the construction of a fence.
On the process of construction, the Municipal Engr., Emerson Lachica in the course of his inspection found some violations of the provisions of the building permit issued. Engr. Lachica, issued a notice to stop construction. Until today, the unfinished fence which appears like a small room is still standing. Will Engr. Lachica be able to get compliance of all the provisions of the building permit issued? This is worth observing.
Another example is in Kalibo Airport, Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. Some structures were being put up on the parking lot of the Kalibo Airport. Engr. Lachica issued an order to stop the construction because of the absence of building permit from the office of the Municipal Mayor of Kalibo. Will the people concern apply for a building permit? Conversely, will the Mayor of Kalibo issue a building permit after application is filed in the office of the mayor?
Further, is the construction of the shanties in line with the purpose for which that piece of land was expropriated? If in line with the purpose for which it was expropriated, is the awarding to leasors in accordance with the regular process?
But in good citizenship, compliance with the laws, ordinances, and all legal orders is rested in the people. The law enforcers are there whose jobs are focused on the alleged, probable transgressors of the law. Obedience to the law rests upon the shoulders of the citizen. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
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