The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety opened discussions for the grant of subsidies for barangay tanods in the province.
Committee Chair Board Member Tomas Abapo presided over the meeting on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the pre-session hall of the Capitol on the proposed measure by Board Member Nathaniel Binlod.
Binlod explained the proposed support for barangay tanods was initiated by Governor Aris Aumentado during a barangay visit to hand over honoraria for other barangay workers.
Provincial Budget Officer Peter Retutal reported that the Provincial Government is spending about P35 Million in subsidies for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Day Care Workers (DCWs) and Barangay Livestock Aides (BALA).
There is an estimated 11, 773 tanods in the province, and in 2022, the Provincial Government allocated P12 Million for barangay tanod kits which include vests, flashlights and baton (batuta).
While committee members and resource speakers were all in agreement that subsidies will be granted to barangay tanods, the committee will await the final recommendation of the Local Finance Committee on the amount and schedule of release of the proposed subsidy.
They also agreed to consider how much tanods are receiving at the barangay and municipal level on average and to balance this with present priority programs of the PGBh, especially with funding requirements for the recent bereavement benefits and acquisition of mobile clinics for the implementation of Universal Health Care.
Executive Assistant for Peace and Order and Public Safety Arturo Evangelista conveyed the support of Governor Aumentado for the proposed ordinance, recognizing the role of tanods in maintaining peace and order as the first line of defense. He said that the grant of subsidy will uplift the morale of tanods and encourage them to engage more actively in the community, increasing trust and contributing to keeping a safe environment.
Board Members Elpidio Bonita, Gloria Gementiza, Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang, Aldner Damalerio, Atty. Glenn Ray Anino representing Vice Governor Victor Balite, Provincial Treasurer Eustaquio Socorin, Provincial Accountant Joseth Celocia, Atty. Gaynore Aviles of the Provincial Legal Office as well as the office of Board Member Romulo Cepedoza were present during the committee meeting.
The Provincial Government recognizes peace and order and public safety as a vital component of growth and development emphasized on the Strategic Change Agenda of Governor Aris Aumentado. (PIMO/LMS)
