THE Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Local Government Affairs (LGA), conducted a capacity development activity for barangay officials on Thursday, December 11, at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City.
A total of 597 participants attended the activity, composed of Barangay Captains, Barangay Councilors, Barangay Tanods, Chief Tanods, other barangay officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police coming from six towns.
The program was hosted by Executive Assistant Pableo “Bebot” Sumampong, who introduced the participants from Catigbian, Maribojoc, Sikatuna, Alburquerque, Antequera, and Balilihan.
Local Government Affairs Head Stephen Rances delivered the welcome remarks and thanked the barangay representatives for their steady support as the activity marks its second year.
In his message, he emphasized unity and collective action, stating.
“Gihimo ni, gipanday ni sa atong gobernador na matag tuig ta para dinhi dapita ipadangat ug unsay angayan natong buhaton para magkahiusa ta ug unsay angay buhaton para makapalambo ug mapa abante nato ang katawhan sa lalawigan sa Bohol,” he said.
“Dili makaya ug pasagdan ra ang probinsya, dili makaya ug pasagdan ra ang lungsod, dili makaya ug ang mga barangays mapasagdan, naa juy teamwork, pagsinabtanay, pagtinabangay, sa Kagamhanang Probinsyal, sa matag lungsod, ug sa mga barangays,” he added.
PDRRMO Head Dr. Anthony Damalerio opened the lecture series with a discussion on Barangay Disaster Preparedness, focusing on the roles, protocols, and immediate actions required during emergencies.
“Importante ang pagpangandam. Before, during and after calamity,” he said.
His discussion included updated tropical cyclone classifications, protocols for class and work suspensions during weather disturbances, heavy rainfall warnings, the criteria for declaring a state of calamity, the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA), the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA), pre-emptive and forced evacuation, and the Emergency Go Bag.
He also highlighted that Bohol has been a Gawad KALASAG awardee for three consecutive years under the administration of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
He closed his lecture by underscoring the responsibility of local leaders, stating, “Hinaut unta kita nga mga lideres sa Barangay, you frontliners should lead the way in proactive measures, saving lives, resiliency programs, because after all what we are doing is for the good of our barangays.”
He also reminded participants to rely only on official PAGASA social media accounts for weather updates and to refrain from relying on vloggers for inaccurate information.
Vice Governor Nick Besas graced the activity and highlighted the value of grassroots leadership, drawing from his experience as former Barangay Captain of Barangay Cogon in Tagbilaran City.
He encouraged barangay officials to support one another and share their expertise for stronger and more resilient communities,
“Sa atong serbisyo sa katawhan bol anon, support our brothers, share your knowledge to making our barangays stronger,” he said.
Liga ng mga Barangay President Romulo Cepedoza also addressed the participants and discussed various ordinances passed by his office in support of barangays. He emphasized transparency and shared updates on future projects that respond to the needs of Boholano communities.
The sessions continued with PCADU Action PCO/FJGAD Officer PLT Cynthia Jamomer Salon, who delivered a lecture on the Overview of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. She also discussed Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR).
In the afternoon session, Police Corporal Avenido of Salaam Police presented a lecture on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).
This was followed by PCPL Maria Catherine Nalla, who discussed cybercrime, including the elements of online libel, hacking and illegal access, computer-related identity theft, the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (RA 9995), different cybercrime modus, and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children under RA 11930.
Representatives from PDEA also delivered a discussion on SICAP-BADAC legal anchors and institutional policies for illegal drug prevention in the barangay. The topics included pertinent provisions under UN Conventions, Republic Act No. 9165, Republic Act No. 7160, DDB Regulations, and DILG Joint Memorandum Circular 2018-01. They also highlighted the importance of local roles, early detection, and community support mechanisms in effective drug prevention.
