Tuesday, October 30, 2007 Fresh mandate to spark grassroots development
MEXICO -- A fresh mandate for incumbent barangay officials or a new set of village leaders might spark the long-delayed development in the grassroots level.
Pampanga third district Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. issued the statement as he joined the millions of registered voters in casting their votes to lead their barangays in the next three years.
Gonzales, a first-term congressman, said much hope of changes and development in the smallest unit of government is anchored in Monday’s barangay elections.
“The people are expecting to replace those leaders they deem are incapable of promoting development to their barangays or to extend the terms of those who have worked well for their constituents,” he said.
Gonzales cast his vote at the Anao Elementary School, in the barangay where he was raised.
He motored from Lubao, where he met President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who also cast her vote at the Lubao Elementary School.
At 12 noon, the lawmaker secretly filled up his ballot and had his finger marked with indelible ink.
Although his brother was running for barangay chairman in their home barangay, the lawmaker remained silent about the rival personalities in the election.
“Whoever wins in this election is expected to serve the people who have chosen him. The barangay officials know personally the needs of their barangays and they are highly important for the government to work effectively in the grassroots,” Gonzales said.
About 538 barangay leaders in the City of San Fernando and 20 Pampanga towns were elected to office in Monday’s political exercises. (ABL)
