Catholic prelates on Monday called on winners of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to faithfully serve their communities.

Caritas Philippines national president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said barangay officials have a crucial role in bringing government services closer to the people.

“We urge you to serve the best interests of your barangays and to work tirelessly to improve the lives of your constituents,” the Kidapawan prelate said in an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas.

At the same time, Bagaforo thanked all those who ensured order, peace and integrity in the BSKE, including the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting volunteers, and the teachers who are the forefront of every electoral exercise.

“We thank you for going beyond your civic duty and for your commitment to ensuring that our elections were free, fair, and peaceful… Your sacrifices and dedication are truly commendable,” he said.

Bagaforo assured the constant participation of the Church to help the barangay and youth council servants promote order and development in the community.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Office on Stewardship chairperson Bishop Broderick Pabillo likewise reminded newly elected officials of the massive responsibilities that come with being public servants.

“We have a great responsibility to God, we have leadership roles. We are trustees of our position and this is a responsibility. Being a leader is our service to others and not for our own benefit,” Pabillo said in a statement.

Campaign materials

Meanwhile, the city government of Manila reminded BSKE candidates to take down their campaign materials.

Mayor Honey Lacuna cited Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10924, Section 256 which mandates that “within five (5) days after the elections and without need of notice, the candidates shall remove or cause to remove all their election propaganda at expense of the candidate for whose apparent benefit the election propaganda materials have been produced, displayed, and disseminated.”

Candidates should have removed all their campaign materials by Nov. 4.

“We have to be responsible in removing, and properly dispose of the election propaganda to maintain cleanliness in our barangays,” Lacuna said in a statement.

The Manila mayor also suggested that some of the used election materials, particularly tarpaulins, may be recycled and put to good use instead of being thrown away. (PNA)