The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is actively working towards a seamless transition of leadership in barangays (local communities) across Central Luzon following the recently concluded elections.

One of the agency’s key initiatives is the Local Governance Transition, aimed at providing knowledge and guidance to current barangay officials on conducting an inventory and documentation of all community properties and implemented programs. According to Regional Director Anthony Nuyda, DILG has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2023-47, instructing all Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan inventory teams to conduct an initial inventory of properties, financial records, and other relevant documents.

This initiative is crucial to ensure a smooth turnover and enable the incoming leaders to promptly commence their duties. Currently, 77 percent of barangays have completed their inventories, with the goal to conclude all assessments before November 30, coinciding with the assumption of office of the newly-elected officials.

Each Barangay Inventory Team consists of the Barangay Captain as chairperson, a Sangguniang Barangay member serving as vice-chairperson, three additional Sangguniang Barangay members, Barangay Secretary, Barangay Treasurer, Bookkeeper, or a representative from the municipal or city government, and a delegate from a Civil Society Organization. The initial inventories are then submitted to the Municipal or City Assessment and Transition Team for validation.

Additionally, DILG, in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies, has launched various advocacy campaigns such as BotanThink, Botante Knows, Botante Tips, and Hapag Kaalaman. These campaigns provide essential guidance to voters and candidates regarding pertinent information and election-related policies.

DILG Region 3 Legal Officer Jackie Paulino stated that, in response to Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s directive, the agency has established a monitoring team overseeing the entire election process. The monitoring team’s purpose is to closely observe and promptly report any election-related incidents in towns and cities, thereby assisting law enforcement authorities, military personnel, and COMELEC in ensuring peace and order.

The agency said everyone can count on DILG’s continuous support and assistance, ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections throughout the entire region.

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