MANILA – House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III urged the passage of long-overdue measures establishing a Magna Carta for Barangays, saying barangay officials are the true frontliners of government who deserve dignity, protection, and stronger institutional support.

Speaking before the House Committee on Local Government–Subcommittee on Local Officials and Personnel, Dy thanked lawmakers for working overtime to advance the proposed Magna Carta, including House Bill No. 3533, which he authored. He said the measure is rooted in both personal experience and his understanding of governance at the community level.

“Bilang isang dating Barangay Captain, sa barangay po ako nagsimula sa serbisyo publiko,” Dy said.

Drawing from his experience as a former mayor and governor, Dy said barangay officials are the first responders and first point of contact during crises, often the first to arrive and the last to leave.

“Bilang dating mayor at gobernador, lalo pong tumibay ang aking paniniwala na ang barangay officials ang tunay na frontliner ng ating pamahalaan,” he said.

“The first responders. The first point of contact. The ones on the ground. Sila ang unang nilalapitan kapag may problema, unang kumikilos kapag may krisis, at kadalasan, sila rin ang huling umaalis kapag tapos na ang problema,” Dy added.

The Speaker underscored the scope of responsibilities carried by barangay officials, noting that they effectively function as the executive, legislative, and judiciary at the community level.

According to Dy, barangay officials implement government programs, pass ordinances through the sangguniang barangay, mediate disputes through the Katarungang Pambarangay, and serve as partners in peacekeeping and law enforcement. He said no other level of government is as close to the daily lives of ordinary Filipinos.

Dy also cited the role of barangay officials during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they enforced health protocols, delivered assistance, and stayed in their communities despite risks to their own safety.

“During COVID, our barangay officials saved us,” Dy said.

He said the proposed Magna Carta aims to improve compensation and benefits for Punong Barangays, Kagawads, SK officials, and barangay personnel; ensure access to basic services and facilities such as barangay halls and health centers; and strengthen barangays as institutions to better perform their role as the country’s primary unit of governance.

“This bill is about giving our barangay leaders the dignity and recognition they deserve,” Dy said, adding that barangay officials are vital partners in addressing the country’s most pressing problems.

“Kapag pinalakas natin ang barangay, mas nararamdaman ng taumbayan ang gobyerno,” he added.

Dy expressed optimism that with the committee’s support, the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays can be advanced in the 20th Congress, describing it as a measure that serves barangays, communities, and the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.