Religious, gov’t, barangays form Cordi group for good governance

EDITORIAL

The Ugnayan ng mga Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) was formally launched in the Cordillera by the Department of Interior and Local Government “to develop good governance in barangays.”

UBAS is a tripartite linkage between the government, the church and barangay leaders where information, volunteerism and participation flow freely among stakeholders towards sustainable development, according to their press statement.

The said program is reportedly also an initiator for change with the church and barangays assisting the DILG in identifying areas that require improvement in social services and encouraging citizens’ participation in achieving goals.

Michael Lawana, Liga ng mga Barangay regional president of the Cordillera said with launching of UBAS in the region, they can do more and strengthen relationship between barangays and the church

According to Ligang Barangay national president, Edmund Abesamis, the UBAS does not violate doctrine of separation of church and state since UBAS is recognition of the separation between the two sectors.

“Why, because the word ugnayan itself connotes absence of Union- ugnayan negates unity,” Abesamis, a lawyer said.

Undersecretary Austere Panadero of DILG said they choose barangays as a part of their tri-partite program on good governance because barangays are closest to the people.

Panadero said the DILG is guided by the local government code and good governance anchored on transparency, accountability, and participation of private sectors to local government units.

Bishop of Baguio and Benguet, Rev. Carlito Cenzon said LGUs should be empowered but it should empower barangays.

The birth of the unique organization reportedly began with a partnership led by late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo and Rev. Bishop Antonio Tobias in 2011 whose vision was to empower good governance through the grassroots and interfaith participation.

DILG Sec. Mar Roxas was reportedly inspired to continue the legacy and strengthen the same partnership with renewed fervor, allowing the proverbial seed to take root grow and bear fruit.

Well and good. It would be nice to see some concrete results in even one small barangay in the Cordillera which could be replicated.