A REALITY check on the state of our nation should include situational statistics within our more than 40,000 barangays. Our barangay being the smallest political unit reveals how Filipinos respond to the government’s agenda. Failure to implement the government’s program only manifests one thing: the village chieftain does not know his responsibilities hence he is reduced to being the manager of a political machinery. The local government is supposed to monitor the activities of the barangay. The problem lies when the local government unit (LGU) and barangay captain have different political affiliations.

Our LGUs cannot handle the task of monitoring our barangay officials; residents must get involved in ensuring peace and order in the village lest thugs and crime syndicates take over and rule. We are too complacent, sometimes nonchalant of what is happening and in the worst case scenario allow fear to overcome us.

While the Commission on Elections reports a peaceful and orderly Sangguniang Kabataan/Barangay elections, there were still massive vote buying activities in remote barangays. There is still so much to be desired as far as a smart and responsible electorate is concerned.

With the recently concluded barangay elections, we have to be mindful of the campaign promises. What did our candidates promise to do? Public service should be dovetailed with sincerity and accountability; otherwise, campaign rhetoric was merely lip service.

In hindsight, had our village chieftains been jubilant, the problem with illegal drugs would not have escalated to a nationwide war. There is still so much to be desired as far as strict implementation of ordinances and laws in the barangay level.

A study made by Ateneo de Manila revealed that in cities where political dynasties exist, poverty and criminality pose a problem. Statistical data is not only disheartening but clearly shows how our politicians have taken lightly these twin social issues. Poverty and criminality slow down progress. We can build highways, bridges, railways, subways and world-class resorts; if majority of the country’s citizenry are poor and deprived thus making stealing an option in order to survive, we cannot equate the build program with success.

Let us showcase how Filipinos survive. Only then can we truly address the reality. Should we allow a smooth operator to deceive us with projects which are mere prosthetic?