While working as a personal project business adviser for then-Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando, the city’s incumbent first district congressman said barangay leaders are obligated to ensure they are serving their constituents properly; meaning, there is no need for a contest to determine the cleanest barangay because it is already part of their duties. Local governments should not be participating in the Clean and Green Program, where awards are given for clean barangays – what then is the purpose of having barangay captains if it requires local governments to push them to fulfill their duties, even enticing them with cash prizes?
There is nothing wrong with awards but they must be given out naturally, without categories or contest rules. The nation must begin elected qualified public servants.
Mayors must mandate barangay officials to keep their communities clean – clear of garbage, illegal drugs, disorder, and disrespect.
Is it possible?
Today, the nation has an iron-fisted, no-nonsense leader. This is the kind of person the country needs to ensure progress.
Singapore’s founding prime minister, the late Lee Kuan Yew, had both an iron hand and iron brain, which he used in transforming the city-state. He instilled discipline and self-respect, which turned out to be magic wands of progress. Today, Singapore boasts the best airport in the world, Changi Airport, which features automated check-in, robot “janitors,” and workers that are paid higher than their counterparts in “dreamland” USA.
The Philippine has a strong president today, the second time around since Ferdinand Marcos. The public, however, resents such leadership because they wish to remain violators. They do not want to change their attitudes, behaviors, or culture – they refuse to be better Filipinos.
Politicians, who have enjoyed decades of lavish lifestyles while attaining power, have also been affected because they no longer enjoy the pork barrel budgets that had been abusing for years. Ironically, that past culture is what Filipinos want, which will assure no progress or growth for the country.
Taking a look at officials from Davao City, Marikina City, Cebu City, and Olongapo City, they are models of determination towards good governance. While others should follow, local leaders refuse to interfere with their constitutions in fear of losing votes in the next election; that mindset stops any city, municipality, or province from moving forward.
They are also too soft on barangay officials – when will local officials stop being afraid? A lawyer mentioned, maybe when they scrap the useless barangay system.
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This column greets Rey Balaan, Marlon Navarro, Manu Gidwani, May Castro, George Anthony Jardiolin, Red Salgado, Nancy Pestano, Rodel Parcon, Roland Jubilag, Jr., Danny Dangcalan, Rudy Chong, and Art Colmedora./WDJ