The 3^rd Barangay Assembly of the 2^nd Sangguniang Barangay was conducted last July 7, 2012 at Nova Tierra Village Covered Court and hosted by the Officers of the Homeowners Association of the said village. This was the first time that the venue was staged outside the barangay hall area in order that this activity will create awareness among the constituents by bringing it right at their own turf. Other subdivisions or villages will also have their chance to host the next assembly.   

The Barangay Assembly was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by the Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella and thereupon asked the Secretary to read the Proof of Notice in Holding the Assembly.

During the Roll Call, the Secretary called the participants by subdivisions and requested them to stand up and raised their hands as their attendance was already taken care of by the Secretariat.

Present also witnessing the proceedings, were Cong. Mariano Piamonte – A Teacher Partylist Representative, City Councilors April Marie Dayap, Al Ryan Alejandre and Marissa S. Abella.

At the Presiding Officers time, the Punong Barangay asked the secretary to explained why we were there, what is a Barangay Assembly and who composed it….What is its purpose and what are its powers…

Excerpts from the speech delivered by the Secretary:

1.       Why are we here?

We are here because, we want to achieve something, like having a progressive barangay..a barangay where its people are healthy, productive and living under a situation where peace & order always prevail… meaning making our place conducive to a desirable living…. for us and for our family. And we are doing it today by conducting a meeting of the Barangay Assembly…

2.       What is a Barangay Assembly?

A barangay assembly is a meeting called upon by the Punong Barangay or of at least four (4) members of the sangguniang barangay, or upon written petition of at least five percent (5%) of the assembly members.

3.       Who composed the Barangay Assembly?

The barangay assembly is composed of all persons who are actual residents of the barangay for at least six (6) months, fifteen (15) years of age or over, citizens of the Philippines, and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly members.

4.       What is the purpose of the Barangay Assembly?

The barangay assembly is usually done at least twice a year and its purpose is to hear and discuss the semestral report of the sangguniang barangay concerning its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay.

This is now the 3^rd brgy. assembly that the 2^nd Sangguniang Barangay had conducted…the 1^st one was conducted last March 26, 2011 and the second last November 26, 2011.

5.       What are the powers of the Barangay Assembly?

The barangay assembly have the following powers;

(a) Initiate legislative processes by recommending to the sangguniang barangay the adoption of measures for the welfare of the barangay and the city or municipality concerned;

(b) Decide on the adoption of initiative as a legal process whereby the registered voters of the barangay may directly propose, enact, or amend any ordinance; and

(c) Hear and pass upon the semestral report of the sangguniang barangay concerning its activities and finances.

 In short, we are doing this barangay assembly because being a Democratic government - this is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. And as the famous quote from the late American President John F. Kennedy goes, "Ask not, what the government can do for you - ask what you can do for the government.”

                If a person is part and parcel of the government based on the democratic principles, then it is absurd to ask yourself what it can do for you because it is inherent upon us that we have to do everything what is best for us. That’s given and you don’t have to solve for the value of x.

Immediately after, the Punong Barangay showed the 2012 First Semester Report of the 2^nd Sangguniang Barangay of Vicente Hizon Sr. through power point presentation of activities/ accomplishments and its present financial condition.

There was no more open forum after the slide presentation because the people are either satisfied of the report or they are already raring to see the part 2 which is the Folk Dance & Modern Dance Competition.

On motion by Ms. Rita Mariano, the 2012 First Semester Report of the 2^nd Sangguniang Barangay of Vicente Hizon Sr. was hereby adopted as presented, duly seconded by Ms. Marlene Rama and motion was carried unanimously.

As there were no more matters to be discussed, Ms. Mopa Subayno moved for the adjournment of the session, duly seconded by Mr. Frank Salinas and motion carried unanimously. Session adjourned at exactly 9:30 p.m.

Part 2

The second part of the activity, Folk Dance for the "Goldies” & Modern Dance for the Youth competition was being hosted by the amiable Ms. Tes del Rosario bringing along with her three distinguished competent judges.

The winner for the folk dance competition was garnered by Nova Tierra Homeowners Group while the Modern Dance was won by Lizada Village. So long folks….Till the next assembly…I presumed everybody enjoyed because a lot more people stayed until 1:00 a.m. of the following day. Sec Red