BARANGAY CAPTAIN UNDOUBTLY WINS BARANGAY ELECTION, NOW ON HIS 3RD TERM

Metro Manila, Philippines
4:00 AM 

By Felix Joshua Gaddi

 Sitting at the heart of Makati, right beside Ayala- the city’s business district, is the village known as Barangay Dasmariñas. Spawned from and originally part of Forbes Park, Dasma is a Village of wonder and is proof that nature and architecture can co-exist with one another. It completely sets itself apart from most Barangays, evidenced by the untouched greenery and trees that tower even buildings. Dasma is known to be an exclusive village, for it provides homage for well established, high profile people of the country such as Henry See, Anne Curtis, Sen. Enrile, and the like. Approximately 1,200 people live in this village.

The Barangay Dasmariñas Village Office 

          Residing in the seemingly surreal paradise that is Barangay Dasma, is its Barangay Captain Martin John Pio Arenas who is nearing the end of his first term after 3 years of dedicated service to the village. Running for his second term, it is clear that this time he will undoubtedly serve his Village once again, for no one has dared to even run against him as the Barangay Captain this upcoming Barangay election.   

But why is that? We were fortunate enough and granted an interview from the Head Administrator of the Barangay office herself (who happens to be my Mom) to give us her insights on the matter at hand:

VO Interview of Brgy Head Admin Andrea Dureza Gaddi

Hearing from the Head Admin of the Barangay herself, we can assume that Captain Martin Arenas is loved by many because of the following:              

11 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE

“Masasabi ko na napakaganda ng kanyang pangunguna sa Barangay, sapagkat satisfied lahat ng mga residente at mga employees sa pamumuno nya.”

Oath Taking 2013 with Mayor Binay 

For starters, He has served the Barangay for 11 years now, ever since he was in his youth as an SK (Sangguniang Kabatan) member. He was even assigned as the Chairperson for the SK since he had the most number of votes out of all the other SK members. In actual fact, he even garnered more votes than that of the elected Barangay Captain back in the day. Fortunately, he did not run for that position for if he did, he would have given the former Barangay Captain a run for her money.

Since being elected as the SK Chairman, he has constantly proved himself through imposing different programs for the betterment of the youth such as headlining Basketball Clinic programs for aspiring Basketball players, alongside with Art and Dance Classes for kids, all of which were implemented under his supervision. 

Then came 2015, and now more determined than ever, he finally ran as an aspiring Barangay Captain. Undoubtedly he won, by a landslide in fact.  He retained, if not improved, his influence and leadership as the Barangay since then.

As a well-established SK Chairman, his influence among the youth and over-all reputation in the village greatly contributes to a favorable amount of votes, all the more gaining their trust as loyal devotees for his next candidacy. 

ESTABLISHED THE BARANGAY EVIDENCED BY NUMEROUS AWARDS

Most child friendly Barangay, 2014

For his first term in service as the new Barangay Captain in the year 2013, the village has received numerous awards from the Municipal authorities of the city, and even award giving bodies associated to the cleanliness and safety of a specific area. This is due to his undying efforts in making the village as clean as possible. 

During his term, he has provided numerous jobs for people with no educational attainment, assigning them as the Barangay’s Maintenance. He then deploys them to every corner of the village to maintain the cleanliness of the village by sweeping wilted leaves and tending to plants. 

He frequently conducts seminars to educate residents in preserving the cleanliness of the Barangay, and he also gives recognition every year to the Family with the cleanest house within the barangay.

He also went forward with his past programs when he was an SK Chairman and even enhanced them, giving a full focus on programs that relate to Sports and Health.

“Sa pamumuno nya, nanguna ang Barangay sa Sports dahil yun ang kanyang comitee (noong sya'y SK Chairman) and development para sa mga kabataan. Ngayon na naging Barangay Captain na siya, napakaraming achievements and awards ang natanggap ng Barangay sa pamumuno nya mula sa City Hall tulad ng naging champion ang Barangay sa Council for the protection of children, Cleanest and Greenest award- 1st place. Ilan lamang lang yun sa achievements nya at bilang Barangay Captain, para sa amin napakalaki ng naitulong nya sa Barangay.” 

Some of the most noteworthy achievements under his service are:

•      Makati Basketball League Intervillage Division: Champion 2015
•      Peace & Order Committee: 3^rd Place 2015   
•      City Government of Makati: Most Child Friendly Barangay 2015
•      City Government of Makati: 1^st Place – Cleanest and Greenest Barangay 2017
•      1^st Makati DRRM Awards 2017: 1^st Runner Up – Low Risk Category

DEDICATION TO SAFETY AND PEACE

Capt. Arenas with Barangay Tanod Officers

“Ang Barangay Dasmariñas Village, sa loob nito ay may private security. Ang mga Barangay Tanod, nag-assist sa mga Police Officer. Malaki ang naikko-contribute ng mga Barangay tanod under Peace & Order dahil ang mga Barangay Tanod ang naga-apprehend sa paghuhuli. Ang mga security wala naman madalas, kung kaya't napakalaking assistance ng mga Tanod sa Dasmariñas Village.”

                

Barangay Dasma ensures the safety and well-being of its residents, for most who live here are High profile people and public officials. The village had set its reputation for security high for decades, and Barangay Captain Arenas is determined to uphold to that reputation and enhance it the best way that he can. He has prepared a budget solely for additional CCTV’s for maximum surveillance. 

He had put much focus to the Barangay Tanod and added only those who are qualified for ensuring the safety of its villagers. They adapted the inter-village exclusive car sticker implementation before his ruling from past Barangay Captains to prevent outsiders from penetrating the premises.  

He appointed Lupon members qualified for the job who are active Judiciary Members and Attorneys. The selected 10 Lupon members are in charge of maintaining the peace and order among its residents. 

LOVED BY MANY

Capt. Arenas w/ Brgy. employees celebrating Makati Day

“Si Barangay Captain Martin Arenas ay napaka low profile. Bagamat napakabata nya, at the age of 30 yrs old. nakakarelate sya sa mga Senior Citizens at mas lalo na sa bata at mga ka--edad nya, kaya gusto sya ng mga residente. Sa mga empleyado naman ay ganun din, ang turing nya sa amin ay pamilya, hindi mga hamak na empleyado.” 

Barangay Captain Martin Arenas is not only loved by those residing in the Barangay, but also by his employees. He connects with them almost every day and treats them with utmost respect. They aren’t just his workers in his eyes, but consider them as family.

The Arenas Family

My mother is a testament to this for she herself is greatly moved by the ever evolving personality of Captain Arenas and I myself included for I currently work under him through the Government Internship Program. He truly serves as an inspiration to many.

Capt. Arenas' Campaign Poster

In conclusion, it is no surprise that Barangay Captain Martin Arenas helld on to his title. Is it unfair? Do people question his validity for the position? As far as most people are concerned, they are more than satisfied with him leading the Barangay and are all excited to see the growth of Barangay Captain Martin John Pio Arenas.

// Photos 1-3 shot by Felix Joshua Gaddi, Photos 4-7 grabbed on Capt. Arenas FB profile //