From a handsome SK Chairman to a pageant-like announcement, here are standout BSKE moments

Just last week, the Filipinos made their decision in electing new sets of barangay officials in the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

But more than the results, Filipinos surely know how to make even the most distressing moments amusing!

In the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," three standout moments from the BSKE were featured.

Handsome and capable SK Chairman

In Barangay Cupang in Muntinlupa City, a new SK Chairman has been elected.

But before Ian Papa won the position, some were questioning his credentials aside from his charming looks and 5'9" height.

In response, Ian said, "Noong high school, ako 'yung naging president ng Supreme Student Government namin. Consistent honor student ako ever since elementary, high school. Scholar ako sa [College of Saint Benilde,] 100%. And now ga-graduate pa rin tayo with flying colors kahit nahati 'yung oras natin."

["I was the Supreme Student Government president when I was in high school. I was also a consistent honor student since elementary. I received a full scholarship from the College of Saint Benilde. I was able to graduate with flying colors despite the busy schedule during this campaign season."]

Ian said his mother, who works in their barangay, influenced him to run for the position.

Ian is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design.

He said his leadership skills were honed at school as a member of various student organizations.

Additionally, he is juggling modeling along with his studies. He began modeling and entered the social media industry during the pandemic. Ian said he had extra time to post pictures after his online classes then he shared that offers from agencies came up after.

Now that he has been elected for the position, Ian said he is aiming to put up a reading facility and learning hub.

Ian added, "Alam kong hindi ako magpapapogi lang dito. Itong pag-upo ko bilang SK Chairman, ito ay form of giving back ko lang sa community ko. So in this span of two years, I will give my very best. Extend my help to my fellow youth here in my barangay."

["I know that I'm not here to show off. Being elected as the SK Chairman is my way of giving back to my community. So, in the next two years, I will do my best to extend my help to my fellow youth here in the barangay."]

Walking campaign poster

The recent BSKE also brought out the creativity of the candidates, including Tatit Lopez, who ran for a Barangay Kagawad position in Binondo, Manila.

Tatit campaigned by wearing his lit-up poster while carrying some balloons.

His fellow residents were delighted to see his campaign outfit and said it was a perfect fit for his personality.

Tati said he got his walking tarpaulin concept from social media influencer and comedian Pipay.

"Nakita ko na um-attend siya du'n sa Sparkle Halloween costume tapos naisip ko na gawin siya for the last campaign walk para kahit papaano magkaroon ng diin 'yung final rampa namin. 'Yung preparation du'n sa tarpaulin is parang two hours lang before campaign walk."

["I saw Pipay attending the Sparkle Halloween costume event, and that's when I thought of doing it also. It took me two hours to prepare that tarpaulin costume."]

Unfortunately, Tati fell short of getting the position.

Despite his gimmick being funny to others, Tati said that he was really serious about his program for his fellow community members.

Pageant-like winner announcement

A pageant-like announcement of the winner was done in a voting precinct at Koronadal City in South Cotabato after two candidates, Kristelle Anday and Ivana Centeñales, tied for the seventh SK Kagawad spot.

Both candidates received 277 votes, but only one of them can secure the position. According to the Constitution, ties can be resolved by drawing lots. However, the Commission on Elections can choose to settle the tie through a coin toss.

"Hindi ko po malaman kung kinakabahan na masaya, na sino ba sa aming dalawa? Nagsasabi na 'ko, 'Van, good luck na lang sa atin kung sino ang manalo. Kaya mo 'yan kung ikaw,'" Kristelle Andaya said.

["I don't know if I'm supposed to be nervous or happy, because we don't know who will win. I told Ivana, 'Good luck to both of us whoever wins."]

A consistent gay beauty pageant contestant, Ivana Centeñales, graduated Cum Laude in the Elementary Education course. She said she would prioritize the education of her constituents.

Meanwhile, Kristelle is about to finish her nursing degree. If elected, she will offer medical services for her project. She was inspired by her mother, who died of chronic kidney disease in 2016.

So what are the results?

After the tense coin toss, it was officially declared that Ivana had won the position.

"One take lang 'yan. And just continue serving people. Kahit ano pa man ang mangyari, we will still going to raise those programs sa bigger na stage sa ating SK," Ivana added.

["We will continue serving the people. No matter what happens, the Sangguaniang Kabataan will continue developing programs."]

Dr. Kristoffer Berse explained the role of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan in our community. 

"Malaki ang role ng ating mga barangay officials dahil sila ang mukha ng gobyerno sa komunidad. Bahagi din ang syempre maglabas ng mga ordinansa para mapaunlad 'yung barangay," he added.

["Barangay officials play a very important role, because they're an extension of the national government. Part of their duty is to enact ordinances that will help develop the barangay."]

—JCB, GMA Integrated News