BACOLOD City – As of Sunday, Nov. 11, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reports that only one out of the 61 barangays in this city has not yet formally turned over government assets to the new set of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.
DILG city director Ma. Maredith Joy Madayag said Barangay Banago has yet to conduct the turnover due to the unavailability of time for the previous officials.
She added that most sitting SK officials have classes.
Madayag said a turnover must take place this week as the newly elected officials will assume their posts today, Nov. 13.
The newly elected punong barangay (barangay captain) of Banago is Arnel Benjamin, who defeated Ricky Mijares in the Oct. 30 elections.
Earlier, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez issued Memorandum No. 0169 to Atty. Jeremae Ann Ceriaco, acting city accountant and chairperson of the City Assessment and Transition Team (CATT), to expedite the final inventory of barangay and SK properties, financial records, documents, and properties, including money accountabilities. This is in line with Memorandum Circular No. 2023-166, dated October 31, 2023, issued by the DILG.
Meanwhile, Madayag has proposed a meeting among the 61 barangays, initiated by the city, to address concerns following their assumption of office.
The city’s DILG director cited Handumanan punong barangay Ma. Febe Legaspi, who raised concerns through the “Isugid kay Mayor” program. Legaspi reported that no records were provided, including details about the remaining budget of the barangay. This has hindered their ability to hire employees and left them with unserviceable computers, a P74,000 electricity bill, and outdated vehicle registrations, among other issues.
Ting advised Legaspi to hold a session and officially appoint bank signatories to obtain a bank statement regarding the financial status of the barangay. The City Legal Office also stated that the CATT will meet with Mayor Benitez to discuss their findings./PN
