Sucat Barangay Captain Rafael Sevilla has stated his plans to establish a public market for Barangay Sucat, aiming to enhance community livelihood.
In an interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE on its digital show Spotlight, Sevilla said that if the plans to establish a public market progress successfully, he intends to utilize the accessibility of Laguna Lake near Barangay Sucat to encourage fisherfolks to transport their products to the proposed market via barges.
"Currently, one of our main considerations is finding an opportunity. I aspire to provide additional means for my fellowmen to earn and for us to have our own marketplace. One concept we dream of is having our own marketplace. One factor I see that we can utilize is the accessibility of Laguna Lake to us. We can encourage fishermen from Navotas and Malabon to consider using barges instead of traveling on roads with toll fees and traffic. In our proposed fish port, the price of our galunggong might even be three pesos cheaper than the standard market price. So, that is where the people of Sucat will shop, at the Barangay Sucat Market," Sevilla said.
The Barangay Captain emphasized his focus on conceptualizing a Barangay Development Inverted Pyramid Approach, aimed at defining the collective efforts of his community.
"In the upcoming year, our primary focus will be on enhancing community livelihood to address crime. We are not just looking at crime alone, but also its underlying causes. This time, I aim to conceptualize an approach called the 'Barangay Development Inverted Pyramid Approach.' It is a structure where the barangay is at the top, followed by the community, family, and finally, the role of individuals. It is a collective effort," Sevilla stated.
Sevilla also urged the national government to hear out the barangay officials as they possess a deeper understanding of the problems that need resolution within their community.
"Our funding is insufficient for our daily implementation. I want us to have additional income, not only for our barangay but for all barangays in the Philippines. The national government needs to support the barangays, as they are more or less aware of what is happening in their locality,"
"I have been attempting to reach out to the national government since last year, but honestly, I have not received any response from them. That is why I believe the barangay can be relied upon. Why? Because we are the ones talking to the people," Sevilla said.
When asked if their barangay is ready to adapt to digital payment, Sevilla said they need to hit a certain concept in their "Tiange" program before transitioning to digital payment.
"We were in the concept of adapting it. I had a meeting with initial individuals who are willing to be part of the livelihood program. We're also exploring the idea of coming up with a possible digital payment to give it a high-end appeal because currently, the concept of 'tiangge' we've only reached so far is the C, D, and E levels. Maybe it's purchasable, but if we reach the A and B levels, it's better. So, if we reach that point, we can already adapt digital payment,"
"Here, we will ask for help from an expert because although we hear about it, we could also become victims of it. We will ask for help from an expert to explain what the concept really is and whether it will be safe for business, especially for those who are just starting out," Sevilla said on possible scammer attacks when they transition to digital payment.
Following their slogan "Sucat-Sikat", Sevilla made its barangay's term his motivation to strive for excellence in leading his barangay which led them to receive numerous awards.
"Sucat' was already well-known, and I inherited it from my sibling who was a former barangay chairman. When I assumed the role of barangay captain, I took it as a challenge to understand why we should be famous. Out of that, I challenged my organization, my leadership, and the council to strive for excellence. To be famous, one needs to be excellent. As a result, this bore fruit, and we received numerous awards. Not just in our city but also nationally. However, we need to move forward, and that's why we're aiming beyond excellence," Sevilla said.
