In Barangay Guinobatan, it is strictly business.

On January 7, 2026, the Barangay Development Council (BDC) convened with a singular focus: to transform hesitation into contribution. The gathering marked a renewed commitment to Participatory Planning, bringing together the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to operationalize the Local Government Code and deliver real results.

The Gathering: A Sectoral Stronghold

The session was a display of sectoral strength, attended by 25 dedicated participants. Key community groups were well-represented, including members from GUITODA, ERPATs, Farmers, Women, Solo Parents, CDW members, and community Volunteers.

This diverse assembly worked towards a common goal: strengthening the BDC’s capacity to function not just as a requirement, but as the engine of local development.

The Framework: A Lesson in History and Law

The orientation on Participatory Planning served as more than just a seminar; for many, it was a reawakening of civic duty. Participants likened the session to an engaging history class, where they revisited the Republic Acts and the visionaries behind the Local Government Code.

This “back-to-basics” approach provided the necessary context to understand their roles, effectively bridging the gap between legal mandates and on-the-ground action.

The Horizon: Reconstituting for Results

The outcome of the meeting was clear and decisive. Barangay officials expressed their readiness to create or reconstitute the BDC, now anchored firmly on the community’s pledge to participate.

With the hesitation of the past replaced by the actionable knowledge of the present, Barangay Guinobatan is set to move forward together, proving that when a community understands its history, it is better equipped to build its future.