MINORITY Floor Leader Agapito Suan, in his privileged speech on Oct. 6, raised concern over the lack of barangay-owned halls in some numbered barangays, saying several are still renting lots.

Suan emphasized that having quality infrastructure translates to providing quality service.

“I observed that they currently do not have barangay halls,” Suan said, noting that the barangay serves as the basic unit of society where administrative functions take place.

Minority Floor Leader Agapito Suan, in his Oct. 6 privileged speech, raised concern over the lack of barangay-owned halls in some numbered barangays that continue to rent lots. He urged the city government to prioritize and empower barangays in Cagayan de Oro. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

He added that renting spaces for barangay halls continues to pose a challenge for the local government. Suan also called for barangay prioritization and empowerment.

Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez explained that some barangays still do not have their own halls due to the unavailability of suitable lots.

“If there are available lots, they’re too expensive. They have to rent nalang gyud for the meantime,” Rodriguez said.

The proposed measure for barangay prioritization and empowerment was referred to the Committee on Barangay Affairs, chaired by ex-officio member Councilor Marlo Tabac.