Emphasizing the tall task that awaits their public office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos reminded all newly-proclaimed barangay officials to exhibit the necessary qualities of a good leader in the exercise of their functions.

"Kung ano ang tama, gawin natin. Leadership is not about power. Leadership is about responsibility. It is about service to the public" he said during the Alay sa Masa oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected barangay officials in Quirino Province over the weekend.

He continued that what the country needs at this time are leaders who have vision and integrity and who can inspire and unite their communities.

"Kaya sa mga bagong halal, we need each of you to be a leader who has integrity, who has vision, and one who inspires and unites the community," Abalos stressed.

He also pointed out that the Philippines is the only country in the world that implements a barangay system, which plays an indispensable role in delivering efficient governance and delivery of basic services at the grassroots level.

"Tayo lang ang may barangay sa buong mundo. Pero napakahirap ng trabaho ninyo. Tuwing may nagkakasakit, nagkakagulo, kayo ang unang pupuntahan. Kayo ang pinili dahil mayroon kayong responsibilidad na pangalagaan ang inyong komunidad," he explained.

Abalos also outlined some of the primary tasks that the incoming barangay officials should focus on during their term.

They include nutrition and health services for mothers and their children, accessible education, and full support to DILG's ongoing holistic anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) program.

During the same event, he also joined in handing out P200,000 for the "Kwarto ni Neneng" project of the Quirino Provincial Police Office.

The program is aimed at preventing rape incidents and other cases of sexual abuse by providing support to the poorest of the poor who are susceptible to such crimes.

Among those who attended the event were Gov. Dakila Carlo "Dax" E. Cua, Senator Ronaldo "Bato" M. Dela Rosa, Representative Midy N. Cua, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairperson Junie E. Cua, DILG Region 2 Director Agnes A. De Leon, and members of the Quirino Sangguniang Panlalawigan.