April 3, 2009

Community center

The smallest unit of government in the Philippines is the barangay. The closest English word for it would be 'village.' Each barangay has at least a small room where the elected officials can meet and where the secretary and one or two other staff members can stay to process forms, set appointments, and settle disputes and complaints. I remember when our barangay hall was one dark and tiny room with two small desks and one shared typewriter. Through the decades, the barangay has set aside money from its budget and requested funding from our congressmen and mayors to add more facilities. Now, our barangay hall is two stories high with several multi-function rooms that can be rented for parties and events, and there's a playground, tennis and volleyball courts, a covered basketball court and a small gym. The park now even has a grand-looking entrance. The last time I went there, they had torn down one side of the tiny senior citizen center to make it bigger.

U.P. Village Park

10 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Great story!Many thanks for sharing !
Glad to know things are better now in this place!Beautiful entrance!
Kind Regards
Léia

gogouci said...

Great information. The community center sounds like a great place to assemble. Every 'village' needs one of those.

Judy said...

Interesting and looks like a nice place.

hadv said...

Impressive barangay hall! You should see ours :))

VP said...

I'm impressed, how much green around, really a fine place. More the entrance of a park than office builfing.

penny said...

I look like a wonderful building, Hilda. I am glad they have a place like this for all the people to gather and enjoy. I like to learn about other parts of the world and you are a great teacher! Have a relaxing weekend with your hubby...

Lowell said...

Isn't it nice when a governmental unit makes changes that actually benefit the people?

Beautiful, sharp photo, Hilda!

George said...

It sounds as if your community is doing quite well. It's good that you have a vibrant community center.

valeria said...

Interestng evolution! Hello Hilda!

crossbow said...

OMG Hilda. Is that the UP Village Park? Man..it used to be a pelota and tennis court, basketball court and a barangay center....now its...progressed! wow!!!

Eugene