| LRC Partners learn of Kapatagan's
success stories
Kidapawan City - Good governance, transparency, unity and love for God were the concepts that the LRC barangay officials and PO representatives brought along with them as they leave the rich land of Barangay Kapatagan last September 30, 2005.
LRC partners could say that Barangay Kapatagan is so much blessed and endowed with natural resources that any outsiders could envy about. But there is more to the barangay than just its natural resources. As the LRC Network observed and witnessed the sectoral meeting of the barangay, they realized that it's the people that have made the place known and progressive.
Through keen observation one may say that a big factor to Kapatagan's success is good governance. The barangay officials, during the open forum, spoke that they work together notwithstanding their political alliances or parties because for them service to the people and not politics is first priority.
Further, barangay officials of Kapatagan gain the respect of its constituents as they manage the barangay with sincerity and transparency. During the sectoral meeting, members and representatives of different
sectors were presented with the last previous month's income and expenses. Read aloud and written on the board, they could hear and see where their income went or how they were spent. Furthermore, each committee chair gives report every session.
It was also observed that the barangay hall was jam-packed during the monthly sectoral meeting. Participation was very high. With the barangay's big trust fund, they could afford to give incentives to attendees, just one factor for ensuring participation. One big factor for it was the fact that they could air out their problems and concerns before the barangay officials who not only listen but take actions on their problems. They felt that together, they could discuss and make solutions to their needs and problems.
Strife among different sects and religions never came in as a problem in the barangay because each one respects the other's faith or religion. In fact, church activities are considered community activities. They also hold festivals in the barangay to keep the ties of the residents and the officials stronger.
Going home never empty handed nor aimless, the LRC partners, carrying their pack of veggies on their laps bought at a very low price and having learned so many things from their exposure trip to Barangay Kapatagan, they were filled with inspiration and hope that it is not yet too late to make a difference and alleviate their poverty-stricken lives by replicating those which they think could help their barangay improve. (MinLand-jmo)
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