Women Officials Dominate TOBOY Award

Women officials dominated the 2015 search for The Outstanding Barangay Officials (TOBOY) of the year. Seven of the eight (8) winners were women.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale was proud saying that they were able to prove they are better public servants than men.

“With apologies to men, wala mi nag ingon nga milabaw mi ninyo, misakasaka lang mig dyutay,” said the vice governor in the awarding ceremony last January 8 at the Capitol.

The vice governor represented the province in behalf of Governor Hilario P. Davide III, who has been flying to and from Manila for an urgent matter since Wednesday.

San Isidro, Talisay City Barangay Captain Marieta Bucao was chosen as the outstanding barangay captain in the city level. Bulacao, Talisay City Barangay Kagawad Edwin Enerlan also won as best kagawad. Cynthia Pañares of Barangay North Poblacion, Naga City got the best barangay treasurer award. Aileen Sarador of Barangay Poblacion III, Carcar bested the over a thousand barangay secretaries in the province.

In the municipality category, Poblacion, Liloan Barangay Captain Gloria Arcelo-Sanchez won it. Nasipit, Barili Barangay Kagawad won as the best kagawad. Jhoan Mongaya of Kawit, Medellin bagged the treasurer category and Tessie Conde of Calape, Daanbantayan reigned as the best barangay secretary in the province.

Aside from plaques, each of the outstanding barangay captain was given P20,000.00 cash prize. The winning barangay kagawads received P15,000 each while the winning treasurers and secretaries were given P10,000.00 each.

The provincial government, the office of the Federation of Association of Barangay Captains (FABC) – Cebu Province Chapter and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, sponsored the search.

Arcelo-Sanchez, who won in the regional search, said her best accomplishment is the functionality of their purok system. Purok system is a unit of a barangay. She said it is where the constituents became active and very involved in the affairs of the barangay.

Patupat, Barili Barangay Captain Julito Flores, who was one of the finalists, said he can proudly proclaim that the people in his barangay are united under his term. He said it is a testament that his constituents are satisfied with his performance. Arcelo-Sanchez and Flores were both first termers.

Vice Governor Magpale said the result could also encourage more women to join them in public service.

FABC President Provincial Board Member Celestino Martinez III said the program recognized the best performing barangay officials for giving their best to fulfill their mandate.

Under the present administration of Gov. Davide, the barangays were given enhanced capability to develop their respective villages. This is now the practice of the both national government and espoused by Gov. Davide.

Martinez said the bulk of the province’s development fund is framed according to the needs of the barangays. “Dili na magagikan ang plano dinhi sa probinsya, kun dili mangutana ang gobernador ug bise gobernador kung unsa man gyud gikinahanglan sa inyong barangay,” said Martinez.

The evaluators were composed of representatives of the executive department, FABC, DILG, and non-government organization, Martinez added.

By: Xerxes Alkuino