Barangays to lead synchronized text voting for Puerto Princesa Underground River during barangay assembly day on Sunday, October 9

The country’s more than 42,000 barangays will lead the synchronized text voting for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in its bid to be one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature during the barangay assembly day on Sunday, October 9, 2011.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said the mass text voting for the Puerto Princesa tourist attraction by barangay officials and residents during the assembly would certainly further boost the current high standing of the country’s lone candidate to the global polling competition.

“Sa tulong ng mga barangay, sigurado na ang panalo ng Puerto Princesa Underground River,” Robredo said, as he reiterated the voting mechanics for PPUR. (Text PPUR to 2861 for all networks)

During the assembly, village chiefs shall also deliver their State of the Barangay Address (SOBA), which includes the presentation of their accomplishment and financial reports covering the first semester of the year.

“They (punong barangays) shall also update their constituents on their ongoing programs and projects, and discuss issues such as peace and order situation, disaster preparedness, solid waste management and environment protection, among others,” he said.

According to the DILG Secretary, barangay officials may also undertake other activities during the assembly such as medical and dental missions, tiangge and cultural presentations.
Proclamation No. 260 signed by President Aquino last September 30, 2011amended Proclamation No. 342 and declared the last Saturday of March and the second Sunday of October 2011 and every year thereafter as barangay assembly days.

The DILG Chief said Sunday’s assembly also aims to drumbeat the celebration of 20years of local autonomy in the country at the barangay level, which shall also culminate this month.
“Through the barangay assembly, we would like to institutionalize the norms of transparency, responsiveness, accountability and participation at the barangay level,” Robredo said. institutionalization of the barangay assembly day is one of the major component programs of the which was launched in October 2010,” he said. Julian Meneses, PAO, DILG