President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated the newly elected and re-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the recently concluded elections on Monday as he reminded them to be honest at all times and to serve their constituents.

In a video message early Tuesday, President Marcos emphasized that barangay and SK officials play an important role in the community as he urged them to serve the people wholeheartedly and to always prioritize their welfare.

“Binabati ko ang lahat ng mga bago at muling nahalal na barangay at SK officials. Napakahalaga po ng inyong papel sa ating lipunan,” President Marcos said, a few hours after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) concluded the barangay and SK polls on Monday.

“Isang panibagong pagkakakataon na naman po ito upang makapag serbisyo sa mga Pilipino at sa ating bayan nang buong puso at higit pa sa abot ng ating kakayahan. Maging tapat po tayo sa lahat ng oras. Lagi po nating unahin ang kapakanan ng sambayanan sapagkat sila po ang dahilan kung bakit nais nating magsilbi sa bayan,” he added.

“Sa ating pagkakaisa at kolektibong pagsisikap, tiyak na maisusulong natin ang ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ kung saan ang bawat barangay ay mapayapa, masaya, at maunlad kung saan nananaig ang pagkakaisa, pagkakaunawaan, at kasaganaan at kung saan ang bawat mamamayan ay taas-noo bilang mga Pilipino.”

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said on Monday that they are expecting around 70 to 75 percent voter turnout for the barangay and SK elections, which is a slight increase from the 2018 elections that only ranged between 70 to 71 percent.

Garcia also noted that the barangay and SK polls went smoothly and were generally peaceful. President Marcos extended his gratitude to the Filipino people and to everyone who went out and cast their votes in the recently concluded elections. | PND