The successful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections last week demonstrated how the Filipino electorate showcased the fundamental freedom to express the people's will, which is the true essence of democracy.

I commend my fellow Filipinos for exercising their right to vote and exemplifying that democracy is alive in the Philippines. Congratulations are in order, both for the winners and those who have tried their best but lost yet showed their intent to serve their community.

Once again, I remind the newly elected barangay and SK officials to set a good example among their constituents. I have always emphasized the need to engage in value-driven leadership to help those who need government attention the most. This means having a sense of purpose and competence to serve while living up to a true leader's commitment to uphold integrity, humility, and genuine compassion and love for the poor.

As I said before the elections, choose honest and competent candidates, but most of all, nagmamalasakit sa kapwa at may tunay na pagmamahal sa kapwa (compassionate and with genuine love for others). May the winners live up to this challenge.

As barangay and SK leaders, you are at the frontlines of good governance in your communities. Always prioritize the welfare of the people in your barangays, especially the poor, the helpless, and the hopeless, who most need our service. Always remember that by entering public service, the public office you hold is a public trust. Hence, you must take care of the trust given to you with great responsibility and accountability to the public.

The barangay is the basic political unit of our government from which the collective view of our people emanates. This is why barangay officials are mandated to provide basic services and projects that the community needs to grow and exist.

As frontliners, you are closer to the people and are expected to be their lifelines regarding their basic needs from 'womb to tomb,' such as medical and hospitalization concerns, fire incidents, calamities, security, environmental concerns, livelihood, and many more. As such, you are our partners in ensuring that national and local governments, down to the grassroots, are in tune with the people's needs and wants.

Knowing that you will face numerous challenges as you start your duties as barangay leaders, I continue to push for measures to provide barangay officials more opportunities to develop their capabilities and provide them the support and benefits they deserve.

This is why I filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 of the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays. I also filed SBN 427, which mandates the provision of allowances, incentives, as well as security of tenure to barangay health workers. If enacted into law, these bills will help improve public service delivery at the grassroots while caring for those mandated to serve the barangay units.

For our SK leaders, please lead your fellow youth in ensuring they become responsible members of society. Keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs and lead them to a better tomorrow. You are indeed the future of our country. Now is the best time to learn, contribute, and make your mark in society as you embark on your journey to be the country's next leaders. Your opportunities are endless as long as you always do what is right and just. As I always say: "Unahin palagi ang interest ng bayan at ng kapwa Pilipino (Prioritize the interests of the Philippines and Filipinos)."

To promote youth leaders' welfare, I previously co-authored Republic Act No. 11768, reforming the Sangguniang Kabataan and providing monthly honoraria and other benefits for SK leaders. Under the Act, 10 percent of the general fund of barangays must be allocated for their SK. The funds must be used for youth development and empowerment programs.

As your public servant in the Senate, I have always prioritized my engagements at the barangay level, as shown by the regular assistance that my team provides for our fellow Filipinos in need at the grassroots. Rest assured that as you face the challenges of your respective communities, I will always be ready to lend an ear and a helping hand to ensure you are equipped with the support needed to fulfill your mandate.

As the Senate resumes its Regular Session today, November 6, we will continue to prioritize the welfare of barangays to ensure that government services are brought closer to the people. Most importantly, as we start tackling the 2024 national budget in the Senate plenary, we must ensure that public funds are used to benefit those at the grassroots.

While our barangay officials are greatly responsible for the welfare of the people, the residents of their barangays also have a corresponding role to play in the development of their communities.

Now that the election is over, let us join hands to ensure the development of our barangays and, more importantly, that our communities are kept safe and secure. Only through mutual support and collective effort will we be able to achieve our aspirations as a Filipino people.