BANTAY BARANGAY is a proposed Provincial Government project aimed to act as a Provincial Rescue Squad to provide police assistance as well as emergency and non-emergency medical transportation and medical services to its community with the highest standards of care possible, at the lowest cost possible. The project will also serve as an instrument for the monitoring of other projects and programs implemented by the provincial government. The success of the project rests on the cooperation and commitment of government and non-government organizations; from community leaders and dedication of highly trained personnel and devoted volunteers. The project will persevere in the achievement of quality police assistance and emergency medical services through the support of its core values.

MANDATE

The Provincial Governor, as mandated by the Local Government Code, has the task and responsibility to ensure the delivery of the following basic services as well in the provision adequate facilities [Sec. 17 (b) (3-I to xii)].

Henceforth, his tasks and responsibilities pursuant to Social Reform Agenda (SRA) – Presidential proclamation 548, dated march 6, 1995; Presidential memorandum order 213, dated June 17, 1994 and Administrative Order 194, dated May 30, 1995), states that:

The Provincial Governor shall:

<         Prioritize basic needs in local plans to meet minimum basic needs (MBN) targets/requirements as a take-off point to alleviate poverty. The MBNs shall be the core of poverty alleviation plans;

<         Encourage and enhance the participation of non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations of associations in community development;

<         Ensure that SRA/MBN programs and projects are integrated in the local development plan.

TERRITORIAL LIMITS

Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bounded by Ilocos Norte on the north; Abra on the northeast; Mt. Province on the east; Benguet on the southeast; La Union on the south and the China Sea on the west. It has an area of 2,579.58 sq. kilometers which occupies about 20.11% of the total land area of Region I.

SCOPE & DELIMITATION

Ilocos Sur has 2 CITIES & 32 municipalities which are subdivided into 764 barangays. The municipalities are Alilem, Banayoyo, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Caoayan, Cervantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Magsingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino, Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Maria, Sto. Domingo, Sigay, Sinait, Sugpon, Suyo and Tagudin. Vigan and Candon cities.

MISSION

It shall be the goal of Bantay Barangay to utilize its resources to protect the lives and properties of the inhabitants and the environment form the adverse effects of calamities, disorder, fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by man or nature, to all municipalities requiring police, fire prevention, and medical assistance through the authorized Memorandum of Agreement between the existing National Government agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, DENRO, PENRO, DSWD, ENRO, and the DPWH.

RANGE OF PROGRAMS

<        Act as Police Aide

<        Night Patrol

<        Surveillance and Reporting

<        Fire Suppression response of all types

<        Emergency medical response

<        Response to vehicle accidents and extrications

<        Response to farm, home and industrial accidents

<        Response to public hazards

<        Response to hazardous material incidents, awareness level

<        Provision of rescue services to  fire & other incidents

<        Search and rescue services

<        Disaster and Emergency Planning

<        Fire cause determination and investigation

<        Fire Prevention Services and Inspections

<        Public Education Services and Programs

<        Monitoring of provincial projects and programs

<        Price Monitoring Team

<        Drug Watch

MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN

Imagine a community with no peace and order; it certainly follows, that is, there is no progress. A crime prevention program such as the Bantay Barangay could certainly be attained. With proper law enforcement, crimes could be prevented. This program would like to stress that law enforcement assistance groups such as this, is there to serve the people and its properties and therefore a need for the people to cooperate and assist.

This program of the Provincial Government gives the citizenry preparedness in times of calamities and disasters. Public safety is a priority in this program, that effective mobilization of Bantay Barangay is ensured with the proper training of its members. Establishments of operation centers, evacuation centers and proper stocking and disbursements of medicine and medical supplies are also a part.

People involvement in local governance and development is strengthened. It is the support system of the government in order for the people to contribute in nation building.

With the continuous development and improvement of programs like BANTAY BARANGAY adequate knowledge, expertise in managerial and technical skills are achieved, thus BANTAY BARANGAY effectiveness is assured and its mission in poverty alleviation, can be realized.