ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. lauded Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs) for collecting crucial data that support the implementation of government programs and policies in the province.
Speaking to around 2,500 barangay volunteer workers at the 2024 BSPO Congress held on November 18 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Defensor emphasized how data gathered by BSPOs enables the provincial government to tailor programs and policies to community needs.
“All the programs in the province are data-based. None of this would be possible without you, as only you can collect this critical information,” Defensor said.
The governor also credited BSPOs for their contributions to the province’s achievements, emphasizing their role in good governance and the recognition Iloilo has garnered as a result.
Themed “BSPO sa Bagong Pilipinas: Mapisan. Tampad. Mabakod,” the event, spearheaded by the Provincial Population Office (PPO), celebrated the dedication and resilience of barangay volunteer workers.
During the congress, PPO chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio announced that the provincial government had approved an increase in the annual honorarium for barangay volunteer workers, including BSPOs, from P4,000 to P5,000.
The additional funding, facilitated through Governor Defensor’s Supplemental Budget and supported by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, will be distributed in early December.
“Your diligence and commitment as volunteer population workers inspire this initiative. The Local Finance Committee and Governor Toto Defensor ensured the supplemental budget includes an additional P1,000 for your honorarium,” Superio said.
Superio acknowledged the hard work of BSPOs, describing them as the backbone of grassroots public service.
“You tirelessly work at the frontlines, often with limited resources, yet you remain unwavering in your dedication to serving our people. Your efforts strengthen our barangays and make them more responsive to the needs of the community,” he added.
The congress also served as a platform to honor the perseverance and commitment of BSPOs, with Superio noting that their contributions extend from barangay halls to the most remote areas of the province.
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. graced the event as the guest speaker. He highlighted his advocacy for institutionalizing local population offices through Senate Bill No. 1486 and pledged to include BSPOs in the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program.
Revilla also committed P50 million in financial assistance for Iloilo province.
The event concluded with a call to recognize and support BSPOs, whose grassroots contributions continue to drive progress and community development across Iloilo./PN
