By Janice M. Cave
MANILA, (PNA) — Give importance to the barangay elections and choose community leaders wisely.
This was the message of the Commission on Elections to some 54 million voters who will elect their leaders in today’s barangay polls.
Poll officials say the barangay election is very important than the national elections because barangay officials are the ones who provide frontline services to the community.
“Ang election ngayon ay mahalaga kasi dito nag-uumpisa ang mukha ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan,” Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca said.
Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia said the barangay is “where you can feel your government directly and how government affects your life.”
He said the barangay polls is relevant because the people are electing leaders who bring government closer to the communities.
Being the smallest unit of the society, the barangay serves as the link to communities and is the first to respond in times of calamities while the barangay chairman (village chief) serves as the “mayor” of the community.
Thus, he also knows the problems that need immediate attention.
Local residents go to their barangay officials when they want to work on disputes on peace and order or need social and health services.
With the multifaceted role of the barangay officials, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the public should elect the most competent and responsible candidates.
“Vote wisely by choosing the most competent and responsible candidates… Support only those who you think would do good in your barangay,” he said.
Today’s barangay polls started at 7 a.m. and will close at 3 p.m.