Residents held bonfire & candle light protest in Payao, Binalbagan

Residents of Barangay Payao in Binalbagan town held a bonfire and candle light protest for the 3rd night last night to express their strong opposition to the establishment of a multi-purpose structure inside the barangay plaza.

Victor Eboseo, Charisse Infante, Jonas Perocho, and other old-timers and residents told NDB that the decision of the local government of Binalbagan to put up either a mini-market or multi-purpose building inside the historical plaza and park of the barangay “is inappropriate”.

They said that without any consultation or prior notice, officials of the town arrived and held a groundbreaking ceremony inside the more than one hectare plaza.

They added that despite the ongoing works, no billboard was put up to identify the project and its details.

Residents around the bonfire and those who lighted candles at the plaza stage said they are not against such project, but it must not be put up within the barangay plaza.

When they signed a petition against it, addressed to their Brgy. Captain Paul Vincent Tan, the latter moved to stop the construction.

They said it has no building permit and was not properly coordinated with the barangay.

Payao has more than 6,000 residents at the barangay proper area alone, they said.

It was learned by NDB that Abang Lingkod Partylist under Rep. Caraps Paduano gave the local government of Binalbagan a project package as part of the programs and advocacies of Paduano’s group.

However, Abang Lingkod has no hand as to where the recipient municipality will put up such project, just like other projects the partylist gave to other places nationwide.

Residents of Payao stressed that they are not against the project. They even welcomed it and thankefd the donor partylist. What they do not like is the decision of the local government to put it up inside their barangay plaza, Payaonons said.* (Arman Toga photos)