Año to barangay execs: Exercise prudence in use of Yuletide benefits

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — Sangguniang Barangays (SBs) should exercise “prudence” and observe the “judicious use” of barangay funds allocated for the Yuletide Social Assistance Program (YSAP) of barangay officials and functionaries, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said Friday.

“Ensure that the expenditure is reasonable and will not, in any way, adversely affect the delivery of services to the public,” Año said in a statement.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) cited that to implement the Yuletide benefit, SBs should “enact an appropriation ordinance authorizing a supplemental budget for the provision of the YSAP for 2019.”

Under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 dated Dec. 23, barangay functionaries including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Treasurer, SK Secretary and SK Kagawads and other workers engaged by barangay performing official functions and duties are entitled to receive social assistance benefit sourced from barangay funds.

DILG also reminded that if a barangay is operating under re-enacted budget, SB must not be allowed “to enact an appropriation ordinance authorizing such budget consistent with Section 323 of the Local Government Code.”

SK chairpersons who served at least four months and remain in government service as of Nov. 30 are mandated to get YSAP benefit, Año said.

Edited by JPV