“BARANGAY TANODS expose themselves to dangers of physical harm by fighting threats to the safety and security of the barangay.

It is necessary to give recognition to the important job being performed by these grassroots workers and to acknowledge the important role being played by the smallest territorial unit and political subdivision of the government.”

Thus City of San Fernando Councilor Jimmy Lazatin laid down the premise upon which he grounded his resolution supporting Senate Bill No. 2578 that aims to grant a monthly allowance of P1,000 to barangay tanods in the country.

Filed by Senator Manny B. Villar in November 2010 yet, Senate Bill No 2578 proposes the granting of a monthly P1,000 to barangay tanods as token of their vital contribution to the delivery of basic services to the residents of the barangays.

Lazatin noted “rather sadly” that no enabling law setting the amount of allowance to be accorded barangay tanods.

Notwithstanding that Section 393 of the Local Government Code – enacted into law in 1991 yet – mandates that barangay officials, including barangay tanods, shall receive honoraria, allowances, and such other emoluments, as may be authorized by law or ordinance.

The Villar bill, Lazatin said, needs to be supported by all local legislative bodies as a means “not so much to reward the barangay tanods as to strengthen the empowerment of the barangays.” 

This, even as Lazatin has enjoined, local officials to take greater initiatives in providing socio-economic safety nets to the barangay tanods, “most specially in these times of hardships,” in the forms of health coverage, allowances, livelihood opportunities “as funds would permit.”

Approved by the city council, Lazatin’s resolution is set to be forwarded to Senator Villar and the Senate.

A legislator who has his heart – and mind – on the interest of the mass of his constituency, Lazatin will definitively make one good, caring local chief executive.