ILOILO – The provincial government is set to convene what is expected to be the largest assembly of Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs) in the country, bringing together around 2,500 volunteer workers for the 2025 Provincial BSPO Congress today, November 17, at the Iloilo Convention Center.
Atty. Ruel Von Superio, head of the Provincial Population Office (PPO), said the gathering reflects the province’s lead role in grassroots population management.
“The congress underscores our shared commitment to building stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation. It will also serve as a vital platform for capacity building, collaboration, and program enhancement among BSPOs,” he said.
Themed “Empowering BSPOs: Stronger Families. Stronger Communities. Stronger Nation”, the congress reinforces the provincial government’s population and community development thrust anchored on its “MoRProGRes ILOILO” agenda — the Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo.
Iloilo Province currently holds the distinction of having the most number of BSPO volunteers nationwide, according to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), a recognition reaffirmed during the National Convention last month.
Top provincial and regional officials are expected to deliver messages of support, including Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.; Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque; 2nd District Board Member June Mondejar; League of Municipalities – Iloilo Chapter president and Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon; Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation president and ex-officio Board Member Amalia Victoria Debuque; PCL–Iloilo Chapter president and ex-officio Board Member Jo Jan Paul Peñol; and CPD Region 6 Director Harold Marshall.
Third District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor will serve as guest of honor.
A key feature of the event is the award ceremonies for the Search for Best Managed Population Data Bank and the Service Awards recognizing BSPOs who have rendered 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of volunteer service.
During the 2024 BSPO Congress, Gov. Defensor emphasized the indispensable role of BSPOs in building a data-driven provincial government. “All of the programs in the province and the direction of your province is data-based. Indi ina mahuman kun wala kamo kay kamo lang ang makakuha sina,” he told the more than 2,500 volunteers in last year’s gathering.
He reiterated that the BSPOs’ work in collecting and maintaining population data strengthens policy-making, program planning, and the province’s overall governance performance — contributing to Iloilo’s national recognitions and awards.
The PPO said this year’s congress seeks to further strengthen family welfare efforts, community development initiatives, and responsible population management across Iloilo’s 1,721 barangays./PN