Serving the bosses

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob

WHO would forget this line: “Kayo ang boss ko.” The President couldn’t have emphasized more that his constituents are his, or the government’s, bosses. However, this still does not hold true particularly for many in remote areas, they who do not receive the needed attention and services from their government.

Fortunately, in some parts of the country, there are local leaders taking the initiative to really serve their constituents, their own bosses. Programs beneficial to the people get implemented, transformation happens, alleviating the poverty level. These local officials make sure their services reach all the homes.

In the latter part of January this year, first-termer mayor of Bugallon, Jumel Anthony Espino, launched the Organized, Nurtured, Empowered (ONE) Bugallon program. This has been bringing all the services of the Bugallon LGU to its various villages. The project is  addressing the difficulty  of many residents to go to the municipal hall. Perhaps, their homes are either too far, or they are too weak to travel.

Health and social development services, issuance of different permits, among many others, that make people wait in long lines in the town hall, can be availed through the program.

I’m not really sure if ONE Bugallon is the first of its kind in the province, but it’s not entirely a new idea. Similar programs have been done in Tupi, South Cotabato and Pagbilao, Quezon. Bicol has its development caravan and even Guam has its “My Village Project” which has a similar concept. The common denominator is the will to literally bring the services to the people.

Such a program needs sufficient allocation from any LGU, particularly those that have a lot of barangays. It is imperative that LGUs provide for it to cater to the residents in far-flung areas. With the travels I’ve done owing to my work, I learned that there are barnagays that are two hours away from the town proper. If local leaders could travel to even the interiors of their boundaries just to campaign for elections, then they can do the same to serve this time.

All it takes is political will. To serve the bosses, serve the people.

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