Leadership by Example
Cherrie Lebrillo at the helm of Brgy. Ma. Cristina
For a village to be a progressive community, every aspect of it should be given attention and care by its leaders. Perhaps one of the successful practices in leading a barangay is being spearheaded by Punong Barangay Cherrie Lebrillo, who since age 15, had been trained on public service.
Cherrie was a youth leader under the Kabataang Baranggay movement (now Sangguniang Kabataan). At that time, youth leaders were not given any salary. It was purely a practice of leadership rather than politics.
She later became the village’s barangay councilor and then, its Punong Barangay. The village received a special award in the Clean and Green Program, for implementing best practices in efficient cluster solid waste management last Sept. 16, 2009. The vegetable and herbal plants for everybody’s use (located beside the Barangay hall), maintenance of cleanliness in the area by street sweepers, barangay officials and residents and proper waste segregation and disposal by all the stakeholders, are some of these best practices. Because of its clean surroundings, Cherrie said that there were no dengue cases in this village.
Of course, Cherrie leads by example as she is seen cleaning some areas of the village, everyday. Such are the benefits of having a village head who works full-time in his or her position.
Learn more about Cherrie and what’s going on at Barangay Ma. Cristina through this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Do you have projects on health and values?
Cherrie Lebrillo (CL): Yes. Every Sunday, we meet kids and teach them about health and hygiene, good values and faith in God. This is limited to children ages 10 years and below. This had been my project since I was a councilor. Every People’s Day, which is celebrated on October, we hold a bloodletting activity as well as a medical and dental mission.
KMV: How about in sports?
CL: Every summer, we organize the Inter-Color Summer Olympics. This promotes good bonding among the youth. These helped them stay away from drugs and promoted sportsmanship. We were able to put up our home court through the support of the residents. The players are also provided with uniforms, the funds of which, were taken from that of the Sangguniang Kabataan’s. Also, we hold a Halloween Costume Contest where children can have fun and this takes place every October 31.
KMV: How about on the religious aspect?
CL: Apart from the Sunday time with the children, we have different festivities in relation to our annual feast. On December, we have a gift-giving activity for the widow’s association of the barangay.
KMV: Is your family supportive?
CL: Yes. I am married to Luis, a concrete pump operator in Qater. We have two children, whom we train to continue what I have started. They help with the projects because I get them involved. My kids grew up with the knowledge that they should help others. After school, they hang around the barangay. My husband is also very supportive of me and my projects. At the moment, we have to wards at home whom we send to school.
KMV: What do you think contributed to your success?
CL: The residents and the barangay officials help each other a lot, that’s why you could immediately see improvements in the barangay. Everybody shares the success that the barangay enjoys.