It
is not easy turning the 'tatsulok'. There will come a point that ignorant
people will contest your motion and even arrive at a point where you are
disrespected. But regardless of having been interrupted by a relative of an
official while I was reading the proposed rules of procedure and order of our
barangay assembly, calmness and humility triumphed over me (fact, I am a
short-tempered person). Then I thought, "I have the majority as my sword
and shield and no matter what the opposing side utter, we have the reciprocity
of the majority to back everyone up in the alliance".
Aside
from turning the 'tatsulok', we also turned the mindset of the people in the
Barangay Assembly. That the assembly was an avenue for gathering information,
realizing issues/concerns and doing appropriate actions as per resolution of
the assembly. Further, the barangay assembly is the highest deliberative body
of a barangay and of course, by common sense, it should be treated as such -
making appropriate treatment befitting its role as the highest authority.
Reflecting from the experience, it was not a regret to oppose the status quo
during barangay assemblies - reporting and asking/answering questions then
nothing else follows. I am reminded of a quote, "The absence and silence
of good men will pave a way for evil to manifest and triumph".
THE
CHALLENGE
When you plan to turn the tide, one should gain the people's hearts
but not everyone knows you. It was quite a challenge for our reform team. Not
to mention the short span of time to prepare, the challenge of within that span
of time you also have to gain the approval of the residents or convince them to
attend at least. This was very crucial. In fact, we only based our 'ally count'
on trust among the influence of the core group members - we are blind of how
many will support our cause.
THE
UNCERTAINTY
There, we convened together with our allies (with uncertainty if
they are really our allies). All of them found their seats but the core members
of the reform team were quite anxious. So they were not settled in their seats.
As for me, I was one with them as well. I found myself in the company of balut
vendors and pedicab drivers. We were chatting on issues of concern, the
imminent demolition of a certain purok in our barangay among other issues
raised. I finally settled, standing, when the preliminary ceremony was
delivered.
THE
MOVE
After the prayer and national anthem, all were settled. Our barangay then
calls for the order of the assembly. Then a realization comes to mind. I may
not be able to get the support of the people if I were to deliver as an
additional agenda the reforms we've got. So as the chance of calling the
assembly out of order - and I really burst out to the crowd that the assembly
is OUT OF ORDER. "How can you call to order the barangay assembly, the
highest deliberative body of the barangay, when there are no rules of procedure
and order to begin with". Then the deafening sound of silence filled the
air. "Dili unta ni basta-bastahon ang asembleya. Kay walay mahitabo kung
puro rata ani sa tradisyon o naandan - report dayon question and answer portion
then wala na, walay output", translating what I uttered next.
Surprisingly, the barangay council was not ready for this kind of things. I saw
their innocence as an ignorance of the capabilities of their constituents. This
was my advantage. Imminently, the reform group received the assemblies' support
and affirmed by the Barangay Chairman. I recall he said "Oo, dapat ani manjud
ang asembleya. Naanad manjud ta sa una. Pero maayo kini."
THE
FOLLOWING EVENTS
-Reading of the proposed rules of procedure and
order;
-Q&A, amendment - adoption of proposed rules;
-Call to
order;
-Barangay Reports
-Q&A - Barangay reports;
-Suspension/recess;
-Drafting
of resolutions;
THE
FRUITS OF OUR MOVEMENT
The assembly came up with two (2) resolutions, (a) for
the adopting of the rules and (b) to address the concerns of the assembly;
among them were directing the barangay council to issue a resolution requesting
the private owner of the lot give a road-right-of-way for humanitarian purposes
and requesting certain families to give alternative routes from accessing the
main road and serving as exits for emergencies. The assembly also had to draft
these barangay resolutions.
STATUS
ON DRAFTS
-Assembly Resolution 1: adopting the assembly rules
(ADOPTED/SIGNED);
-Assembly Resolution 2: addressing the concerns of the
assembly; alternative route, road-right-of-way request, BDC additional members,
RA 10656 implementation, People's Charter, Productive use of the internet for
transparency purposes and other items for addressing concerns (FURTHER
AMENDING);
-Barangay Resolution on adopting Assembly resolution 1 and 2 and
requesting certain families for an alternative route/way (PENDING/FOR SIGNING);
and
-Barangay Resolution on requesting road-right-of-way (PENDING/FOR SIGNING)
OUR
COMMITMENT
Serve as an unwavering force in the search for truth, promotion of
fraternity and upholding the dignity of the most vulnerable.
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