“Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community.” –Simon Mainwaring
The leaders of the smallest political unit in the Philippines are in the news lately, following the proposal to have President Rodrigo Duterte appoint all 340,000 of them instead of being elected – that includes barangay captains, kagawads, and council members.
The proposal faces major legal obstacles but, whether appointed or elected, we will have new or reelected barangay leaders before the end of the year.
We suggest aspiring barangay captains, in the least, study the rudiments of technology.
While it is not required to have a college degree, in this age, they should be technology-literate since everything is operated by technology, including communication, transportation, monitoring systems, financial transactions, among other basic services.
They can expedite transactions and important messages to constituents, mayors, and police if updated on the latest technological innovations.
Services
Our barangay leaders will be left behind and basic services will be delayed if they do not know how to use or operate a smartphone – there have been instances where barangay officials rely solely on their secretaries when a visitor poses an inquiry to them.
With the use of Google on their laptops, tablets, or mobile gadgets, the matter can be addressed promptly.
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It would not be a surprise if President Rodrigo Duterte next invites detained Senator Leila de Lima for dinner after Vice President Leni Robredo – the president may also invite his chief critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, in the future, along with those who have tasted the terror of his threats.
It’s another story is they accept the invitation; after all, Judas dined with Jesus, Voltaire shared a sumptuous meal with Catherine the Great.
The president has always been unpredictable but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. The right accused him of siding with the left when he allegedly made a “sweetheart deal” with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison during the campaign period. However, when Duterte terminated peace talks with the rebels, the doubts about him being pro-Communist were gone./WDJ