TO IMPROVE the services in promoting public safety and peace and order, more incentives are sought for barangay tanods or village watchmen in Benguet.
Board Members Johnny Waguis, Fernando Balaodan and Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president James Guanso in their proposed ordinance said only the registered members of the village watchmen who voluntarily render their service can avail of the benefits.
The ordinance aims to grant benefits and incentives to the members of the tanods to motivate them in sustaining and, if necessary, improve further their worth, recognizing performances and services in the maintenance of peace and order and the promotion of public safety.
The province of Benguet, with 140 barangays comprised not more than 20 tanods each are composed of civilian volunteers created at the barangay level.
Once approved, additional honorarium awaits tanods amounting to P100 every month or P1,200 every year to be awarded before the end of December.
For tanods who have rendered service for nine consecutive years as certified by the barangay captain, are entitled to a monetary incentive of P1,500 with a certificate or recognition by the provincial governor and provincial director of Department of the Interior and Local Government.
All barangay tanods are also asked to be accredited by the Provincial Peace and Order Council who are tasked to organize a committee to register the members.
Within the proposed ordinance, the nine years of service will be counted from the date of accreditation by the member beneficiary.
A total of P3.5 million is allotted yearly for the full implementation of the proposed ordinance currently on second reading. The aldermen added the appropriated budget can increase if necessary.