THE search begins for the 10 Outstanding Punong Barangays in Baguio City.

The Rotary Club of Metro Baguio formally launched the 27th search for OPB during the program of broadcaster musician Kap Peter Wasing at Z-Radio lately.

OPB Awards 2019 overall chair Feliza Ronquillo said the criteria for the selection of awardees include the Livelihood Projects or the establishment and maintenance of cooperative enterprises and other livelihood projects to uplift the economic condition and well-being of the residents which is 10 percent.

The next criteria is the Anti-Drug Campaign including the prevention and eradication of drugs, monitoring and reporting of drug pushers and users, anti-drug abuse seminars for the residents; interventions initiated by the barangay and/or in coordination with government or non-government offices for drug surrenderees which is 10 percent.

Ten percent for peace and order considering the organization of an effective Barangay Tanod, Barangay Risk Reduction Management Council or other community brigades for the maintenance of peace and order, response to emergency, calamity within the barangay, and program on eradication of illegal gambling.

Women and children protection program is five percent, establishment of a barangay human rights action center (BHRAC) is five percent, health and sanitation 10 percent, environmental protection and climate change 10 percent, katarungang pambarangay/lupon tagapamayapa 10 percent, preparation of the annual budget and development plan 10 percent, adoption and maintenance of parks/infra projects 10 percent, monitoring and prevention of illegal structures five percent, and family background and leadership traits five percent.

RCMB President Ofelia Villanueva said the prioty barangays to be visited by the Search Committee will be based on the recommendation of the three offices of the local government- The Liga ng mga Baragay, DILG Baguio and Office of the Mayor which have at least 30 to 40 recommendees each.

The search committee members will visit the barangays in the city unannounced and expected to interview the constituents as well.

The Awarding of the 10 OPB and Hall of Fame awardees is set on April 17 this year.

The OPB Awards under the Vocational Services of RCMB is one way of giving recognition to the grassroots leaders in Baguio City who deserve to be recognized.

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