SAN ISIDRO, Leyte –Board Member Marie Kathryn “Chinggay” Veloso-Kabigting of Leyte’s third district responded to criticisms from the camp of San Isidro Mayor Bebot Veloso regarding her participation in a barangayan event on November 24, 2024.
Detractors questioned her presence at the event, claiming she was not invited.
Kabigting clarified that the barangayan is an official activity of the Leyte provincial government led by Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla and members of the provincial board, aimed at addressing the needs of barangay residents.
“The barangayan activity is an official activity of the province of Leyte, of which I am a part,” she stated. “My role as a board member transcends political affiliations—it’s about serving the people.”
The event, held in Barangays Bawod and Bunacan in San Isidro, included the distribution of medicines and groceries and consultations with barangay officials to discuss infrastructure needs.
Politicization of Barangayan
Kabigting expressed dismay over attempts to politicize the barangayan by supporters of local officials. She pointed to troll sites aligned with Mayor Veloso’s camp, which allegedly criticized her participation and misrepresented the event as politically motivated.
“Some are portraying the barangayan as a local initiative to favor their political camp. This is misleading,” Kabigting said, noting that the activity is a provincial initiative funded by the Province of Leyte, not the San Isidro local government.
Social media posts also attempted to link Governor Petilla to the political campaign of congressional candidate Wingwing Veloso, the mayor’s brother. Kabigting emphasized that the barangayan remains an apolitical platform to serve residents’ needs.
A Commitment to Public Service
Kabigting underscored her right and responsibility as a board member to join barangayan activities.
“Why would I not be invited to an official provincial activity where I am part of the organizing body?” she asked.
She also highlighted her history of conducting barangayan initiatives in San Isidro alongside Governor Petilla and her sister, Congresswoman Anna Veloso-Tuazon, the representative of Leyte’s 3rd district.
“My mandate to serve the people goes beyond political parties,” Kabigting said. “I go where I am needed, without asking for anything in return.”
She reaffirmed her dedication to public service and vowed to continue addressing the needs of her constituents through programs like the barangayan initiative.
“This work is not about politics—it’s about ensuring that no one is left behind,” she concluded. (RGA)
