Chatto lauds Bohol 's 2006 TOBOY awardees

By: Anthony R. Damalerio

Winning barangay officials in the annual search for the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (TOBOY) were lauded lately by Bohol first district Cong. Edgar M. Chatto by praising them for their exemplary performance in the conduct of their functions. Chatto, one of the prime movers of the search, hailed the officials for continuing their tasks in bringing quality government service to their respective constituents during fitting awarding ceremonies held at the Executive Hall of the Ecotech Center in Cebu City .

The solon, ably represented in the event by Mr. Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio II, his political affairs officer, called on the barangay officials as the country's unsung heroes for their important role in bridging the line much closer between the government and its people. “Your strong and solid connection in the grassroots level makes it easier for the people to accept highly-beneficial government programs”, said the lawmaker's statement. In addition, Chatto extolled that the TOBOY awards can serve as inspiration not only for local leaders but also the country's national officials to buckle down for more pressing work in the light of divisive issues that can only stagnate the country. This year's finalists and awardees included barangay captains Elvira V. Macalandag of Dampas, Tagbilaran City as finalist for Punong Barangay-City Level and Teodulo Yecyec of Babag, Dagohoy as Outstanding Punong Barangay-Provincial Level; Poblacion III barangay kagawad Felixberto Remolador, finalist for Barangay Kagawad City Level; SK chairmen Kenny June Requeron of Poblacion II, Tagbilaran City as finalist for SK Chairman-City Level and Franco Tatad of Poblacion, Cortes as Outstanding SK Chairman Provincial Level; barangay secretary Almira Migrino of Mansasa as finalist for Barangay Secretary-City Level and barangay treasurer Ligaya Tadle of Poblacion West, Catigbian as Outstanding Barangay Treasurer-Provincial Level.

The TOBOY, now on its tenth year, is a joint undertaking of the Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (LADPAAP) of which Cong. Chatto sits as chairman, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7 and the Liga Ng Mga Barangay. Nominated and qualified barangay officials are subjected to a final review and evaluation by a set of panelists while selection is judged on a given criteria based on past accomplishments of the said barangay officials. Others on hand to witness the awarding rites were officials of the DILG headed by Usec. Joselito Ruiz, Regional Director Atty. Rene K. Burdeos and Hon. Jovita Tuela Ouano, executive officer of the Liga Ng Mga Barangay.

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