Join your #BrgyAssembly on Oct 12

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATED) Do you know where your barangay chairman intends to spend the taxes you pay? Do you have great project ideas for your neighborhood that you want to share?

Sunday, October 12, is your chance to get your voice heard!

This year’s first barangay assembly was held on March 5. According to netizens and those who participated in the event, barangay leaders evidently failed in disseminating information about the activity. (READ: #BrgyAssembly: When theory does not equal practice) 

All 42,028 barangays in the Philippines are expected to conduct a synchronized assembly on October 12, as mandated by Presidential Proclamation Number 260. 

The Barangay Assembly provides an opportunity for residents to express their stand on issues as basic as garbage disposal, faulty street lights, and clogged canals. Through the event, residents can either raise questions, propose solutions, or demand answers from their local officials.

Why participate?

Because of its participative nature, the barangay assembly serves as a perfect venue to gather citizens and government officials to address problems in the community. 

The role of citizens in a democracy does not end at the ballot box. Good governance requires the cooperation between an accountable government and active citizens.

In order to truly eradicate corruption, citizens must first hold their representatives in government accountable to their duties and responsibilities as public servants. (Read: You can help keep an eye on our government) 

MovePH, Rappler’s citizen journalism arm, invites all Filipinos to participate in the synchronized assembly to strengthen government accountability and transparency. 

Here’s how you can participate:

Step 1. Check if your barangay will hold an assembly on October 12

Get the details of your barangay assembly and share them with your neighbors. If your barangay is not holding an assembly, find out why and report it to Rappler.

Note that you don’t have to be a registered voter to participate in the assembly. You are entitled to join as long as you are: 1) aged 15 years or older, 2) have been residing in the barangay for at least 6 months, and 3) are duly registered in the list of barangay members.

Step 2. Participate in your #BrgyAssembly

On Sunday, participate in your barangay assembly. Listen to your barangay officials explain their activities and plans. Share your ideas and propose solutions in the assembly. 

Use the #BrgyAssembly hashtag and tell us why you want to participate in the barangay assembly to inspire others to do the same! You can even be creative by using photos. 

Step 3. Ask this important question

Because the typhoon season is just 3 months away, find out whether your barangay is prepared.

Ask your barangay chairman how your barangay preparing for the coming typhoon season? And how is your barangay spending its budget for disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation? 

Step 4. Share your stories and join in the conversation

On Sunday, 7pm, we will have an online conversation via Twitter on citizen participation at the local government level. Share with us your barangay assembly story and what you think we need to do to keep our barangay officials honest and accountable. 

Follow @MovePH on Twitter and like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/move-ph.  

The change you wish to see in the world lies in your hands! – Rappler.com 

(Editor’s Note: In an earlier version of the story, we mistakenly indicated October 11 as the date of the barangay assembly. We made the necessary correction.)