SPECIAL REPORT: Sari-sari stores, lifeblood of every barangay neighborhood

 

PHOTO CREDIT: PhilStar Global

MANILA, Philippines — In every thriving Filipino barangay, one of the clearest signs of a vibrant community is the presence of a sari-sari store. 

The humble, yet indispensable sari-sari stores serve as the lifeblood of neighborhoods, providing easy access to daily essentials, a place for quick conversations and most importantly, a livelihood for millions of Filipino families.

In a country with over one million sari-sari stores, it can’t be denied that these stores are deeply embedded in Filipino communities, acting as both economic and social hubs. They provide a wide range of products, from household essentials to quick snacks, catering to the daily needs of their neighbors. READ MORE 

MORE BARANGAY NEWS AND EVENTS NATIONWIDE

Business registration in Antique barangays reduced to just 3 steps. – The streamlined steps adopted by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) have enticed barangay-based businesses to apply for their licenses.

“We have adopted only three steps for the business permit application to encourage more business owners to apply for their mayor’s permit,” San Jose de Buenavista BPLO head Elsie Elizalde said in an interview on Friday.

The three steps are registration, assessment and payment, and issuance of mayor’s permit. READ MORE

VIDEO

North Central Luzon barangays requesting for security assistance. https://youtu.be/guQJIi6K0zA Video Credit:  GMA Regional TV

Malabon City launches 'Search for Cleanest Barangay 2025'. In a bid to promote cleanliness and the spirit of "bayanihan" (communal cooperation) all over Malabon, the city government has launched the "Search for the Cleanest Barangay 2025."

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, interviewed by The Manila Times via Viber on Friday, emphasized that no amount of any competition or contest can make up for a clean and green surrounding as this should be the shared responsibility of the local government and its constituents.

But she was more hopeful that with the launching of the event, all stakeholders would be more motivated and inspired to do their share in keeping their surroundings clean and green. READ MORE

Bangsamoro Parliament reviewing proposed barangay-centric gender equality code. The Bangsamoro Parliament is reviewing a proposed Gender and Development (GAD) code to strengthen gender-responsive programs across the region, focusing on grassroots implementation.

A recent public hearing by the parliament’s Committee on Women, Youth, Children, and Persons with Disabilities in Basilan highlighted calls for a barangay-centered approach to integrating gender equality initiatives.

Local leaders pointed out the need for grassroots involvement to advance equality effectively. READ MORE

Over 27,000 families in 27 barangays affected by Kanlaon volcano's continuing unrest. The amount of assistance provided by the national government and its local counterparts to families affected by the restiveness of Mt. Kanlaon has reached PHP172.1 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its latest situational report as of Thursday, the NDRRMC said the amount is divided into PHP109.9 million for Central Visayas and PHP62.2 million for Western Visayas.

A total of 10,032 families benefited from this aid – 7,551 families in Western Visayas and 2,481 families in Central Visayas. READ MORE

Up to 912 voter applicants summoned in Lanao Del Sur barangay. The Municipal Circuit Trial Court has summoned up to 912 voter applicants in Barangay Linuc, Pualas, Lanao del Sur over flying voter allegations.

The court issued a subpoena for the applicants during the third hearing of the petition filed by a mayoral candidate in Pualas to exclude several alleged flying voters from Barangay Linuc.

However, the barangay treasurer can reportedly attest that those individuals summoned by the court are residents of the barangay. READ MORE 

Senate approves 4-year term for barangay officials. The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill that would implement a four-year term for barangay officials and Sanggunian Kabataan Members (SK) members.  

Sen. Bong Go, a co-author of Senate Bill (SB) 2816, strongly supported the legislation, highlighting its potential to bring stability and continuity to local governance.

SB 2816 proposes that the terms of barangay and SK officials be four years while limiting them to three consecutive terms. It also ensures that the next regular elections for these officials will be held in October 2027, with subsequent elections scheduled every four years. READ MORE

Challenges to barangay-level compliance to the Kasambahay Law still persist. DOLE and DILG acknowledged that despite collaborative efforts by public and private stakeholders, challenges persist in ensuring full compliance and addressing gaps in barangay-level registration.

Lawyer Michael John Borja of the DILG emphasized the need for barangay kasambahay desk officers to keep updated records and for employers to submit registration forms.

“Employers must submit registration forms and employment contracts to their barangay’s kasambahay desk officers. However, compliance has been low, and we need to intensify coordination with barangay officials,” and homeowners’ associations to promote better implementation of the law. READ MORE 

ASF-affected barangays slowed down from 225 to 133. The number of barangays that remained affected by African swine fever (ASF) has decreased to 133 from 225 preiously, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Despite the decline in the number of ASF cases and adequate supply of imported frozen pork in local markets, the BAI said the retail price of pork remained high.

As of Jan. 10, data from the BAI showed a decrease of 59 percent in the number of ASF cases recorded in eight regions, 11 provinces and 35 municipalities. READ MORE