Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 342)
Barangay Assembly Day is declared as the last Saturday of March and the third Saturday of October every year, starting from 2003, as a day to emphasize the role and importance of the barangay in governance.
Section 384, Chapter 1, Book III of the Local Government Code of 1991 recognizes the barangay as the basic political unit and primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, projects, and activities in the community.
The barangay assembly is composed of all persons who are actual residents of the barangay for at least six months, are at least fifteen years old, citizens of the Philippines, and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly members as provided in Section 397, Chapter 6, Book III.
The barangay assembly is required to meet at least twice a year to discuss matters involving the semestral report of the Sangguniang Barangay and other problems affecting the barangay.
The barangay assembly has the power to initiate the legislative process by recommending measures for the welfare of the barangay and city or municipality; decide on the adoption of initiatives by registered voters to propose, enact or amend ordinances; and to hear and pass upon the semestral report of the Sangguniang Barangay concerning activities and finances.
The proclamation was necessary to ensure strict compliance with the Local Government Code's requirement on holding a barangay assembly twice a year, to fulfill its purpose, and to emphasize the barangay's role and importance in government.
The barangay assembly serves as a forum where the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized, and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.
A member must be an actual resident of the barangay for at least six months, at least fifteen years old, a citizen of the Philippines, and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly members.
The barangay assembly discusses the semestral report of the Sangguniang Barangay concerning its activities and finances.
The barangay assembly can recommend ordinances as initiatives for the welfare of the barangay and the municipality or city concerned, consistent with the legislative process powers granted under the Local Government Code.