Caraga- A total of 180 sub-projects from the Php53.7M grant of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) project were accomplished this year by the identified conflict-affected communities in the region.

The said sub-projects were implemented by the communities, and were facilitated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga coursed through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP).

Recipient municipalities of KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP PAMANA include Remedios T. Romualdez, Kitcharao, Veruela, San Luis, Esperanza, Alegria, La Paz, San Miguel, Tagbina, Bayabas, Mainit, Gigaquit, and Jabonga.

DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli disclosed that some 78,435 households will benefit the said peace and development sub-projects.

“In this endeavor, we are expecting that around 43,534 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary households will enjoy the completed community facilities,” Brigoli said.

The peace and development projects are solar and electric-powered street lights, multi-purpose buildings, concrete pathways, drainage canals, concrete roads, level II gravity-driven water systems, communal rainwater harvesters, tribal house, pre-and-post harvest facilities, and others.

Regional Program Manager and Assistant Regional Director for Operations Mita G. Lim also shared that the said sub-projects were completed ahead of the set deadline which is in December 2014.

“Through our hardworking workers and empowered community volunteers, we accomplished 100% completion of these sub-projects before the month of December,” Lim added.

The PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs). Its main objectives are to reduce poverty, improve governance, and build capacities. ###(EUNICE G. MONTAOS/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)