At your service: ‘Kap’
In a little over two weeks, the Filipino electorate will troop back to polling precincts to elect their community/barangay leaders, their first direct link to government.
Scheduled on May 14, 2018, the Barangay elections will let duly registered voters elect a barangay captain, often also referred to as “Kap” or Kapitan/Kapitana, and seven barangay councilmen/councilwomen, or kagawad/ konsehal.
Your barangay captain, kagawads
“The barangay chairman is the head of the community. He or she sees to it that basic services needed by constituents are attended to and delivered, such as peace and order, healthcare, education and the like,” said Josephine “Joy” S. Gaviola, former chairman of Barangay San Antonio, Makati City.
“The kagawads are assigned to different committees such as those on beautification, sports, health, engineering, women and children’s rights, among others,” added the sprightly Joy, who also served as barangay councilwomen /kagawad prior to her election as barangay chairman.
“The kagawads and the barangay captain make up the barangay council. They regularly discuss and assess issues and concerns in the community. They likewise receive complaints and attend to other needs of constituents.”
‘24/7 affair’
“One has to be firm and tough to instill discipline, get the people to follow rules and ordinances and be ready to respond to any and every situation that needs prompt attention and action,” added Kap Joy.
“It is tiring, challenging, but fulfilling, especially when you know you have served your constituents to the best of your abilities and receive a simple thank you or a word of appreciation from the people.”
Katarungang Pambarangay
Barangay captains can be approached and asked to settle disputes involving neighbors under the Katarungang Pambarangay service.
Issues such as excessive noise, rowdy behavior, parking problems, even personal matters can be brought to the attention of “Kap,” who will initiate a mediation process, hopefully leading to an amicable settlement.
More complex concerns can be elevated by “Kap” to higher authorities such as the city or town mayor and councilors for proper action and disposition.
RA 7160 or the Local government Code gives barangays the mandate to enforce peace and order and provide support for the effective enforcement of human rights and justice. (Gilbert S. Gaviola)
It is tiring, challenging, but fulfilling, especially when you know you have served your constituents to the best of your abilities and receive a simple thank you or a word of appreciation from the people. — Kap Joy