The barangay is the lowest level of the local government, but it does not mean that barangay officials are the least important government officials—far from it.
On the contrary, they are crucial to the hierarchy because they are the ones who are in direct touch with the people and the community. They know many of their constituents not just as bodies that translate to votes, but as actual persons. They know their residences, families, circumstances, struggles.
This intimate knowledge of their constituents makes barangay officials sought-after allies of politicians running for higher office. Why campaign piecemeal when you can work on barangay officials who will then sway their people one way or another?
Even then, village officials must know that this is not entirely why their jobs are essential to building the nation.
The familiarity with their constituents provides them a good opportunity to know exactly what the issues and problems are. In the fight against drugs, for instance, they are in a unique position to identify who in the neighborhood are using or dealing drugs, who are inclined to commit crimes, and who are in need of the most protection.
Village officials are usually low-key and low-profile, compared to the flashy higher officials we know so well. Their affinity with their people speaks for itself.
Unfortunately, many officials see their jobs as a way to wield power without accountabilityand to lead by grievously wrong example.
Monday’s election brings a new batch of barangay officials who sought office despite the apparent lack of financial gain or trappings of higher office. We hope more—even just slightly more than the lot they replaced—of them are truly responding to the genuine call of public service.