BARANGAY POBLACION

4713, Castilla, Sorsogon

(+63) 963 026 5170 castilla.itdept@gmail.com

Date: December 22, 2023

To: Sec. Benhur Abalos

Secretary of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Mr. Edwin Desamparo

Barangay Captain of Poblacion

From: Cindy L. Laurinaria

Resident of Poblacion, Castilla

Subject: Incident reports documenting instances of individuals falling into canals and ------
------------------sustaining injuries as a result of inadequate street lightings

Problem Description

Last June 2023, before the commencement of the grand fiesta in our barangay, a resident within
our community shared a Facebook post. An incident has been reported regarding a group of
young individuals who fell into one of the canals in Purok 6 while on their way home. Two out
of four individuals sustained injuries to their bodies, specifically in the arm and leg regions. The
Facebook post garnered significant attention from the local community and elicited negative
feedback in the form of hate comments. The individuals who commented are placing initial
responsibility on the young individuals, suggesting that they should have exercised caution. They
are also inquiring as to the reasons why teenagers, such as those in question, choose to be out late
at night. The individual who originally posted the Facebook post took it down.
Four days later, an official statement was issued by the Barangay, advising residents who utilize
the road in Purok 6 during the night time to exercise caution and consider carrying flashlights for
enhanced security measures. Furthermore, a barangay official reported that they successfully
supplied bandages and first aid materials to the injured youths.

However, we cannot provide a guarantee that such situations will not occur in the future. It is
evident that the barangay is experiencing a shortage of street lights, particularly given the influx
of tourists for the "Kasag Festival" and the arrival of non-residents disembarking from ships at
the seaport. It is essential to formally request additional assistance in order to undertake a project
aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Barangay Poblacion.

Action Taken

According to the barangay officials, they were notified about the Facebook post prior to its
removal. Subsequently, the supplementary first aid materials possessed by the barangay were
distributed to the individuals prior to the issuance of an official statement regarding the matter.
Additionally, two powered light bulbs were installed in Purok 6 after the aforementioned
incident.

Recommendations

In order to mitigate the occurrence of similar incidents in the future, I propose the
implementation of the following measures:

1. I kindly suggest drafting a formal letter addressed to the Secretary of the Department of
the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding this particular issue.
2. Request assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to
procure and install supplementary solar-powered street lighting infrastructure within the
vicinity.

3. Barangay Captains are required to effectively communicate instructions to their

constituents, specifically the barangay tanods, regarding appropriate actions to take in
such circumstances. In addition, they should promptly report any relevant information to
the appropriate authorities.

4. Barangay Public Safety Officers should ensure they are equipped with first aid materials
while conducting night time patrols, as there is a possibility of encountering similar
incidents.

5. Propose the development of a concise awareness program focused on promoting safety

measures and preventative actions for individuals in potentially hazardous situations.