Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said he will be meeting with local barangay captains in order to encourage them to push their respective barangay tanods to be more involved in the peace process.

“I would like to encourage barangay captains to strengthen our barangay tanods because their presence is important in serving as force multiplier,” the mayor said. “They also help the city during rescue operations.”

He also noted, barangay tanods will be provided with batons by the city government, along with other new equipment for barangays.

Meanwhile, Alexander Lopez of Barangay Calumpang in the Molo district was named runner-up for Most Outstanding Tanod in the individual category during last month’s Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region VI (DILG-6) anniversary.

In addition, the team of Barangay Calumpang Captain Roberto Niño, Jr.; alongside Barangay Nabitasan Captain Barbara Joy Aroza, Barangay Lopez Jaena Norte Captain Marjorie Gregorios, and Barangay Rizal Captain Releo Lumayad, all of the La Paz district; won the Local Government Quiz-Year IV regional championships in the barangay category.

Barangay Calumpang was also recognized as regional winner of the 2017 Most Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa, the barangay justice committee.

“We are very glad that one of our barangays has been recognized by the DILG,” Espinosa said./WDJ