The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Municipal Office in coordination with the Liga Ng Mga Barangay and the Municipal Government of Villasis, Pangasinan, conducted the Newly Elected Officials (BNEO) towards Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Barangays Program is a term-based capacity development program for barangay officials conducted for the newly-elected barangay officials.

This seminar-workshop was held at the Villasis Gymnasium in two successive batches, conducted last March 5-6, 2024 (1st batch) and March 7 - 8 (2nd batch). The participants of this activity are the Punong Barangay, Seven Barangay Kagawad, the SK Chairman, the Barangay Secretary, and the Barangay Treasurer of the 21 barangays of Villasis, Pangasinan.

Mayor Abrenica emphasized in his message that the participants must listen carefully to the lectures to enhance their knowledge to become effective and efficient public servants.  Vice Mayor Tan also encouraged them to perform their mandated task and responsibilities and gave 101 % service to their constituents.

Meanwhile, Liga Ng Mga Barangay President Michael underscored that enhancing the capacities of barangay officials could help them to perform their roles, duties, and responsibilities as barangay public officials.

DILG Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., CESO III, and DILG Provincial Director Virgilio P. Sison, CESO V, personally visited the participants giving their inspirational message.

After the preliminaries, MLGOO Braulio G. Yaranon gave an overview of the activity followed by the Orientation proper as follows:

  1. Basic of RA 7160 for barangays
  2. The Barangay Development Plan and CapDev Agenda
  3. The Barangay Budget
  4. Participation in Governance
  5. DILG and its PPAs
  6. Public Ethics and accountability
  7. Auditing laws, rules, and regulations

DILG Field Officers served as Resource Speakers. Also invited to discuss before the participants are personnel from the Local Government Unit and the Commission on Audit.

During the closing program, the participants of each position gave their impression of said activity. This activity was formally closed by the MLGOO Braulio G. Yaranon and thanks to the Local Government unit of Villasis, Pangasinan headed by Hon. Mayor Nonato S. Abrenica for the successful conduct of the BNEO Program.