President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. visited a Child Development Center (CDC) in Barangay La Paz, Santiago, Agusan del Norte — a completed sub-project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga’s KALAHI-CIDSS program on October 24, 2025.
The facility, which was completed in 2023, continues to serve as a safe and nurturing learning space for children in the community.
Upon his arrival, President Marcos, along with DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian was warmly welcomed by the students and teacher, together with Santiago Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Zenaida Lim, DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez and DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, and La Paz Punong Barangay Benjamin Lim Jr.
Upon his arrival, President Marcos, along with DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian was warmly welcomed by the students and teacher, together with Santiago Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Zenaida Lim, DSWD Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez and DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, and La Paz Punong Barangay Benjamin Lim Jr.PBBM expressed his gratitude to KALAHI-CIDSS community volunteers saying, “Maraming salamat po sa inyo,” recognizing their vital role in building up a stronger community.
DSWD sees the President’s visit as an opportunity to underscore the positive impact of the KALAHI-CIDSS program in improving access to social services and strengthening community participation in development.
As part of his visit, the President brought a Starlink internet connectivity system to enhance digital access for the community and distributed school bags to the CDC students, symbolizing the government’s commitment to advancing education and inclusion.
The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) is a community-driven development program of the DSWD that aims to reduce poverty and enhance local governance by empowering communities to identify, plan, and implement projects that address their most pressing needs. Through initiatives such as day care centers, KALAHI-CIDSS continues to promote inclusive growth and social welfare, especially in far-flung areas.