While being the smallest unit of government, the barangay is nonetheless the most important as it directly deals with the governed.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go yesterday emphasized this in lauding barangay captains for helping President Rodrigo Duterte implement reforms at the grassroots.

He made the statement during the Liga ng mga Barangay Convention at the Manila Hotel.

The President intends to empower barangay officials since they are the government’s frontliners and the primary providers of services to the people, Go said.

“Let’s all help the government because the barangay captains are the ones who know what’s going on in their neighborhoods, especially when it comes to drugs,” he added.

“They know who the drug addicts are, who the thieves are, who the pushers are, who the criminals are in their areas,” Go enthused.

If barangay leaders will not help the national government, he said President Duterte “will have a hard time.”

“They should be good examples in their barangays. I believe most of them are being good leaders in their areas,” he added. KVD